FRU terminates Director of Rugby

Fiji Rugby Union Terminates Director of Rugby’s Appointment

the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has swiftly terminated the appointment of Laijipa Naulivou as Director of Rugby just four days into her tenure. This decisive action follows the public expression of personal views by Naulivou that contradicted the FRU’s core values and commitment to inclusivity.

While Naulivou initially tendered her resignation, the FRU Board resolute that a firm stance was necessary to reinforce its dedication to upholding professional standards and safeguarding the ethical fabric of Fiji Rugby. The FRU emphasized that Naulivou’s views do not reflect the official position of the organization.

FRU Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusivity

In line with World Rugby’s fundamental principles of Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Passion, and Solidarity, the FRU unequivocally promotes inclusion and non-discrimination as cornerstone values of the sport.

“The views expressed by Naulivou are her personal opinions and do not reflect the official position of FRU.”

The FRU Board sought to reassure players, notably those in the women’s team, stating, “It’s a women’s team and all players can rest assured.”

Moving Forward

The FRU is committed to filling the Director of Rugby position thru a thorough and obvious selection process. This ensures that the individual chosen embodies the values and principles upon which Fiji Rugby stands.

While this situation underscores the importance of aligning personal beliefs with organizational values, it also serves as a reminder of the FRU’s unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals involved in the sport.

This incident highlights the importance of organizations setting clear expectations and upholding their values.It also emphasizes the need for open dialog and a commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.

The FRU’s swift action sends a strong message that discriminatory views will not be tolerated within the organization. This decisive step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sport and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Fiji Rugby Union Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusivity Following Director Departure

The recent termination of Laijipa Naulivou as Director of Rugby, just four days into her tenure, sent shockwaves through the Fiji rugby community.The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) cited Naulivou’s public statements, which contradicted the organization’s core values and commitment to inclusivity, as the reason for the swift decision.

Apisalome Ratuva, FRU Board Member, spoke with us to shed light on the situation.

Interview with Apisalome Ratuva, FRU Board Member

Archyde: Mr. Ratuva, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. This situation has certainly been unprecedented for Fiji Rugby. Can you shed some light on the circumstances surrounding Ms. Naulivou’s departure?

Apisalome Ratuva: It’s certainly been a tough week. We at the FRU believe strongly in our core values,which include inclusivity and respect for all. Unfortunately, Ms. Naulivou’s recent public statements went against these essential principles. While we respect her right to hold personal opinions, we felt it was imperative to act decisively to safeguard the ethical fabric of Fiji Rugby and send a clear message that these values are non-negotiable.

Archyde: The FRU has emphasized that Ms. Naulivou’s views do not reflect the official position of the organization. How do you intend to ensure that this incident does not undermine the trust and confidence of players, particularly those in the women’s team?

apisalome Ratuva: The well-being and safety of all our players, especially our women’s team, are paramount. We want to assure them that this incident is not a reflection of their worth or their place in Fiji Rugby. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe,respected,and valued. This incident has underscored the importance of our commitment to inclusivity, and we are taking steps to further strengthen our internal policies and training programs to reinforce these values.

Archyde: What message do you hope to send to the wider rugby community both within Fiji and internationally?

Apisalome Ratuva: We want to reaffirm our unwavering dedication to inclusivity, respect, and integrity. This incident, while unfortunate, has provided us with an opportunity to re-emphasize these core values. We believe that rugby is a sport for everyone, and we are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals can participate and thrive.

Archyde: What are the next steps for the FRU in terms of filling the Director of Rugby position?

apisalome Ratuva: [Information cut off]

This incident serves as a stark reminder to sporting organizations worldwide of the importance of upholding inclusive values. Fiji Rugby’s commitment to addressing this situation swiftly and transparently sets a valuable precedent for the future.

Fiji Rugby Embarks on Search for New Director of Rugby

Fiji Rugby is committed to finding a new Director of Rugby who embodies its core values.The organization announced it is indeed commencing an extensive and transparent selection process to identify a leader who will champion inclusivity and excellence both on and off the field.

The search comes after the recent departure of the previous Director of Rugby, highlighting the importance of this role in shaping the future of Fijian rugby.

Balancing Freedom of Speech and Organizational Values

the selection process also raises significant questions about the balance between freedom of speech and the responsibilities of representing an organization. Recent events have underscored the complexities of navigating this issue.

Apisalome Ratuva, a spokesperson for Fiji Rugby, emphasized the importance of fostering open dialogue while upholding organizational values. “This is a question that all organizations, especially those in the public eye, grapple with. While we believe in respecting individual freedom of expression, it’s also important to recognize that certain views can be harmful and possibly damaging to the reputation and values of an organization,” Ratuva stated.

He added, “Ultimately, we must strive to create an environment where open and honest dialogue is encouraged, while also ensuring that our actions and statements align with our core values and principles.”

Fiji Rugby’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in this process is crucial for rebuilding trust and ensuring the long-term success of the organization.

What steps is the FRU taking to ensure that the departure of the Director of Rugby will not negatively impact the performance and morale of Fiji’s rugby teams?

Interview with Apisalome Ratuva, FRU Board Member

Archyde: Mr. Ratuva, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. This situation has certainly been unprecedented for Fiji Rugby. Can you shed some light on the circumstances surrounding Ms. Naulivou’s departure?

Apisalome Ratuva: Its certainly been a tough week. We at the FRU believe strongly in our core values,which include inclusivity and respect for all. Sadly, Ms. Naulivou’s recent public statements went against these essential principles.While we respect her right to hold personal opinions, we felt it was imperative to act decisively to safeguard the ethical fabric of Fiji Rugby and send a clear message that these values are non-negotiable.

Archyde: The FRU has emphasized that Ms. Naulivou’s views do not reflect the official position of the organization.how do you intend to ensure that this incident does not undermine the trust and confidence of players, notably those in the women’s team?

apisalome Ratuva: The well-being and safety of all our players, especially our women’s team, are paramount. we want to assure them that this incident is not a reflection of their worth or their place in Fiji Rugby. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe,respected,and valued. This incident has underscored the importance of our commitment to inclusivity,and we are taking steps to further strengthen our internal policies and training programs to reinforce these values.

Archyde: What message do you hope to send to the wider rugby community both within Fiji and internationally?

Apisalome Ratuva: We want to reaffirm our unwavering dedication to inclusivity, respect, and integrity.This incident, while unfortunate, has provided us with an opportunity to re-emphasize these core values. We believe that rugby is a sport for everyone, and we are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals can participate and thrive.

Archyde: What are the next steps for the FRU in terms of filling the Director of Rugby position?

apisalome Ratuva: We are embarking on a complete and transparent selection process. This will involve extensive consultation with stakeholders, including players, coaches, and the wider rugby community. Our aim is to identify a leader who not only possesses the necessary skills and experience but also embodies our values of inclusivity, respect, and excellence. We will be seeking a candidate who can inspire our teams and guide Fiji Rugby towards continued success.