According to a spokesman for the sport’s governing body, World Rugby is working with the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) because it wants the Fijians to realize their full potential internationally.
In response to inquiries from RNZ Pacific over their purported participation in the Flying Fijians’ head coach appointment, World Rugby stated that their involvement spans all domains, encompassing high performance as well as management and governance.
After the previous FRU Board disbanded early in 2023, World Rugby took over and approved the government-appointed interim Trustees Board to restart the union.
The trustees have been given till June of this year to finish their duties.
World Rugby responded via email, saying, “All stakeholders are committed to a strong and stable Fiji Rugby Union reaching its full potential on the world stage.”
“Since the transformative framework to rebuild good governance structures was agreed upon in May 2023, significant progress has been made.
“This work includes supporting the union’s high performance programmes, which are crucial to the performance of the national teams.”
World Rugby said that it works with the FRU to accomplish performances when asked why it is engaged in the selection of the Flying Fijians head coach and other coaching and high performance unit appointments.
“Performances at the men’s rugby world cup in particular endorse the decisions taken so far, and all parties continue to drive towards a common goal.”
The announcement of the FRU men’s 15s team’s head coach has been delayed because World Rugby has the last word in choosing the Flying Fijians head coach, as FRU Trustees Board chairman Peter Mazey disclosed earlier this month.
The two that have made the short list are Mick Bryne, the head coach of the Fijian Drua, and Senirusi Seruvakula, the former assistant coach of the Flying Fijians.
The Fiji Sun reported that Mazey stated the coach will be revealed this week.
“You are correct to anticipate an announcement in the near future,” the newspaper reported.
