'Editorial': Stop politicising rugby. Let the decision makers at Rugby House decide-way forward
Now, Government must be cautious in their approach because a World Rugby suspension will put many innocent lives at stake.
Monday 04 March 2024 | 21:33
If Government interferes into the affairs of the Fiji Rugby Union again, then we should forget about defending the gold or bronze medals at the Paris Olympic Games in France, which is from July 26 to August 11.
Another interference by Government could result in our suspension from World Rugby, who is an affiliate of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
This will stop us from playing at the Olympic Games.
This should be made clear to the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, who, yesterday hinted during an interview that they may call for a meeting if the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) does not call one.
This pertains to the recent performance of the Fiji Airways men's and women's sevens teams at the Los Angeles Sevens tournament.
Mr Rabuka and his Government should stop politicising the sport of rugby.
Fiji’s Rugby House. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Rugby is more than a sport in the country. It has become a source of employment and contributed to our economy in terms of remittances and sports tourism.
Mr Rabuka should realise we are walking on thin line and at the mercy of World Rugby.
One wrong move, we're doomed.
The situation is best left to the people- the Rabuka's led Government - has selected to be the FRU's interim administration and Trustees. They should decide the possible way forward.
They've got to man up and make hard decisions on the fate of coaches Ben Gollings and Saiasi Fuli on their failure to produce the results as stipulated on their Key Performance Indicators (KPis).
If the Rugby House decision makers feel the coaching duo should continue, then so be it.
However, they need to be committed to their decision by publicly declaring their intention to resign if the teams don't produce the desired results at the Olympics.
They should have the guts to shoulder the blame with the coaches if things don't happen our way.
Right now, we cannot afford another Government interference.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
