Commission on new FNRL chairman

Seven months away from the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) and the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) at Richards Road has undergone another leadership change. 

When approached yesterday Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) chief executive officer Peter Mazey confirmed that he had acknowledged the new appointment, which was done early last week. 

This comes after two weeks of the initial appointment of Apenisa Dansey, as chairman which was confirmed on February 6. 

Following Dansey’s appointment there was a complaint of some irregularities within the voting, which Mazey said, was a misunderstanding. 

This prompted last week’s meeting where four board members met and elected Rajesh Singh. 

Mazey said the FNRL constitution states that three board members can form a quorum and it does not allow proxy voting. 

The seven board members are Dansey, Singh, Akuila Masi, Taniela Vakamoce, Sitiveni Vuniyawa, Ilaitia Tagituimua and Etika Rokobuli. 

Mazey said he did not endorse the appointment but only advised board members on the terms of their own constitution. 

“I confirmed receipt of the email showing board agreement,” Mazey said regarding Singh’s appointment. 

“We just confirm acceptance of whatever they decide. There are still members of the board that are disputing that, I understand.” 

Mazey added the FNSC would only ask for their minutes of the meeting when needed. 

“They were following our advice and making sure that they voted personally. 

“They can have people attend by Zoom, and they can vote, but they have to vote. It has to be that person, not a proxy. 

“It’s something that they have to sort out within. We can’t get involved.” 

FNRL is registered as a company under the Companies Act. 

“Only the Minister of Justice (Siromi Turaga) can get involved if he felt there was something wrong going on. 

“But at the moment, that’s not the case. that I know of, but I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. But at all times, rugby league had been taking their own legal advice.”