The Fiji Rugby Union is at the dawn of a new horizon, says chairman, Francis Kean during the launch of their four-year strategy in Suva yesterday.

The Fiji Rugby Strategic Plan 2017-2021 was launched by Prime Minister and FRU president Voreqe Bainimarama who said, that for too long the rugby union family has been divided.

“Affiliated unions only focused on what is in their best interest,” he said.

“But I’m proud that after the sterling performance of our Flying Fijians in the 2015 Rugby World Cup and history creating gold medal win in the Rio Olympics by our men’s 7s heroes we’ve been able to put our differences aside and agree to move forward together with the same aspirations and dreams.”

Kean said despite all efforts in the past years FRU has failed to fully embrace the era of professionalism.

“This has left FRU lurking in the depths of amateurism for too long despite a well-renowned brand plus enormous contributions made to the growth of the game internationally,” he said.

Kean added  the recognition by the World Rugby hierarchy of this valuable contribution in their meeting in Nadi last year has resulted in the paradigm shift of improved relationship and partnership with the world governing body.

FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor said their focus is on the implementation of the strategic plan.

Edited by Osea Bola

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