Tailevu, Naitasiri tell of their struggle to comply with FRU requirements

Financial challenge is what many provincial union teams are facing as they try to com­ply with the Terms of Participation (TOP) of this season's domestic competition.

The TOP is set by the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), which teams must comply with before the domestic competition kicks-off.

The TOP includes governance structures, financial accounts, provincial club games, player reg­istration, conducting union AGMs (annual general meeting) and con­stitutions.

It is understood that last season only Nadi and Ba had complied with all the requirements.

Tailevu Rugby Football Union (TRFU) president Joseph Rodan (Snr) told SUNsports their recent partnership with Jacks of Fiji is a major boost to their financial sta­bility and long-term development.

Rodan said the TRFU faced seri­ous financial challenges when the current administration took over last year.

"We started with just $200 in the bank," he said.

"It costs about $225,000 to run Tai­levu Rugby each year, but our annu­al income is around $195,000, leav­ing a shortfall of about $30,000."

Rodan said the gap was previously covered through fundraising and support from loyal fans, but the Jacks of Fiji sponsorship would now ease that burden.

"You cannot successfully run a sporting organisation without sponsorship. Without sponsors, you will struggle."

He noted that operating costs have increased due to stricter competi­tion requirements, including medi­cal staff and an ambulance at every match venue, mainly for player safety.

This partnership will also help promote Tailevu Rugby merchan­dise, especially team t-shirts, creat­ing another source of income for TRFU.

"Visibility is important. The more merchandise we sell, the better the returns for the union," he said.

Despite limited sponsorship last year, Tailevu reached the semi­finals of the Skipper Cup. Rodan is confident the team can go further this season with Jacks of Fiji's sup­port.

"We believe we can push for the fi­nals and challenge both the Skipper Cup and the Farebrother Trophy, he said.

Rodan added that strong perfor­mances by the team attracts spon­sors and that the partnership also supports the TRFU's focus on devel­oping young players aged between 18 and 23.

Naitasiri Rugby Union president Aseri Rokoura said one of the key challenges last seasons, was the full registration of clubs, particularly those based in rural areas.

"For the past three years we have been going through a governance phase. Governance is not some­thing you can instill in one season, it's a change of mindset and cul­ture," he said.

"Clubs need to understand their constitutions and ensure proper registrations."

He said proper registration is cru­cial, not just for the union but also at national level. "Registrations go right up to the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU). That is one area we will continue to improve on, alongside auditing and other governance re­quirements set by FRU, which the union has managed to meet."

Rokoura added that club competi­tions have steadily improved over recent years.

"Last year we saw challenges such as the Qaranivalu Shield and dou­ble-header fixtures among clubs, and we expect the number of clubs to increase."

He said more than 40 clubs are ex­pected to register in 2026, although only 20 met the requirements last year.

"Clubs need to meet criteria un­der our Koi Colo Rugby Coopera­tive programmes, particularly in agriculture and resource develop­ment. Rugby is also a tool for social and economic development in rural communities."

In terms of preparations, Rokoura confirmed that teams are yet to be­gin collective training.

"We haven't started our post-off­season programme yet. Some play­ers are training individually, and once the FRU calendar is approved, we will begin our collective prepa­rations and pre-season games," he said.

Rokoura said a few senior players are also expected to leave, though the union hopes to retain key posi­tions as the season approaches.