The Fiji Rugby Union is set to announce a host of changes to the 2020 domestic rugby calendar after a Special General Meeting at the Warwick Fiji in Korolevu yesterday.

The biggest change will see the Skipper Cup Premiership become a 14-round competition, with each team to play a home and away fixture.

The Farebrother Sullivan Trophy Challenge will also be incorporated into the Skipper Cup, with the holder defending the trophy in each of their fixtures.

The women’s competition will also be played in the 15-a-side format instead of this year’s 10-a-side competition.

This is in light of the Fiji Airways Fijiana XVs qualifying to their first ever Women’s Rugby World Cup country.

According to FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor, the changes were made to ensure there are no clashes with the national and secondary school competitions.

O’Connor also wants to see provincial teams give young players a chance, especially when the senior ones are away with the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians, Fiji Airways Fijian Drua and the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui teams.

He believes the extra seven games should provide incentive for teams to give their upcoming players a fair go.

“We want to give each product good coverage and exposure, and also to encourage our young players to keep striving to achieve their goals,” O’Connor said.

“It’s now just a matter of refining what was discussed in the meeting before we send the calendar back to the unions before the start of next season.”

The changes include a revamped Vodafone Vanua Championship, which will be now be played in a round-robin format.

Teams will be divided in four pools according to their divisions, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the quarter-finals.

The two finalists secure automatic promotion to the Skipper Cup Premiership.

O’Connor said cost-cutting was the major factor behind this move, with unions complaining about high transport and logistical expenses.

FLYING FIJIANS HEAD COACH

FRU has received more than 30 applications for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach position, it was confirmed yesterday.

According to O’Connor, the majority of applicants are from overseas, with McKee’s name also in the mix.

Another name being considered is Fiji Airways Fijian Drua coach Senirusi Seruvakula.

There is widespread speculation that Seruvakula could succeed McKee after two stellar seasons with the Drua.

The Drua and Fijian Latui head coach positions have also been advertised, adding fuel to the speculation.

However, O’Connor insists advertising the positions were part of FRU’s governance procedures.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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