Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) Chief Executive Officer Mr. Koli Sewabu, alongside senior management, has concluded a strategic engagement visit to the Northern Division. This visit forms a critical part of the Union’s nationwide compliance and governance program.
A key moment of the itinerary was an official meeting with the Tui Macuata, Ratu Williame Katonivere. Mr. Sewabu extended sincere appreciation for the province’s consistent support and gracious hospitality.
“We are grateful to Ratu Katonivere for welcoming Fiji Rugby into his Province,” said Mr. Sewabu. “Macuata has a distinguished history of enriching our provincial competitions.”
In the discussions, Ratu Katonivere underscored the vital importance of rugby’s alignment with the vanua, emphasizing that as most teams are community and vanua-based, the sport must strengthen its connections with provincial offices and commissioners. He highlighted that this alignment is not only crucial for sustainable development but also for harmonizing with the national development plan.
The vanua, he noted, is the essential foundation, and nurturing this relationship is key to strengthening rugby as an integral part of Fiji’s DNA.
The visit later extended to Savusavu, where FRU officials convened with the executive members of the Cakaudrove, Bua, Taveuni, and Natewa provincial unions, alongside representatives from Northern schools. These meetings focused on operational alignment, development pathways for youth, and reinforcing the administrative structures critical for the sport’s growth at the grassroots and provincial levels.
Mr. Sewabu outlined the visit’s dual objectives: to acknowledge the profound pride of provincial representation and to reinforce foundational systems. “Our players carry the hopes of their communities. In parallel, we are committed to ensuring that the administrative frameworks safeguarding their welfare are robust and effective,” he stated.
The dialogue further focused on elevating governance standards across member Unions. “The discussions were highly constructive, with a shared consensus on the requirements for compliance, including rigorous audit processes and the timely holding of Annual General Meetings,” Mr. Sewabu noted.
He conveyed confidence in the collective progress, adding, “Achieving alignment and compliance across all Unions will be a catalyst for positive transformation in Fijian rugby in the near future.”
This visit to the North marks the beginning of a scheduled series of three visitations to member Unions between January and March 2026. The program is a cornerstone of the FRFU’s new Strategic Plan, designed to enhance governance, compliance, strategic alignment, and player welfare throughout its member unions and affiliates.