FRU chair clears air on CEO appointment

Proper processes were followed during the recruitment of the Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer (CEO) last month. 

FRU board chairman John Sanday made the comment after questions were raised about Koli Sewabu’s appointment. 

Sewabu who was interim CEO during the time of recruitment did not resign from his role when he applied for the post. 

He was a board director before acting on the role after Rovereto Nayacalevu resigned in May, 2025. 

Asked on why the board allowed such process to happen which raised governance issues, as Sewabu was indirectly part of the board, Sanday said: “The board outsourced the process to an independent party where leading HR (Human Resources) firm, Maxumise Ltd handled everything and used their methodology to arrive at a ranking of applicants after interviews,” Sanday said. 

He said the board only came in for the interview. 

“At no time was any applicant involved in any discussion except during the interview. 

“Every other decision taken was made with due process and for the best interest of Fiji Rugby,” he said. 

Sanday was also questioned about the need to appoint Talemo Waqa as acting chief operations as Sale Sorovaki is FRU’s general manager for operations and development. 

“When I put my hand up to nominate as director, one of my promises was to take Fiji Rugby into the modern era and to restructure and reform FRU into a global company. The AGM voted me in and I am carrying out what I promised,” Sanday said. 

Questions sent to Sewabu on Wednesday regarding the matter has not been answered when this edition went to press.