FRU to revisit agreements with Drua franchise

The Fiji Rugby Union is going to revisit all the agreements that were made on the establishment of the Fijian Drua franchise club. This is to ensure that there will be no misunderstanding.

This was highlighted by FRU board chairman John Sanday during the FRU Symposium at Suva’s Albert Park yesterday. 

He was answering a question from Tailevu Rugby Union (TRU) president Joe Rodan (Snr) who enquired on who is running rugby in the country- is it FRU or the Drua?

Rodan, a renowned marketing expert said the public has been confused on the matter. 

He said this was because of a presentation by Drua Community Programme Lead, Ben Takubu on last weekend’s (Friday and Saturday) programme ‘Remote Communities Challenge’ to connect with young fans and students in Nausori. 

This coincided with the Vodafone Kaji Nationals launch (last Friday) along with last Saturday’s Vodafone Deans Trophy and Weet-bix Raluve finals. 

Speaking at the symposium, Rodan pointed out the need to have a clearer definition so they can have parallel communication.

“We need to know who is running who; it seems like the Drua is running the FRU or the FRU is running the Drua. I mean; the Drua as a franchise and the FRU is a body, so which is which; who listens to who,” he said.

The former FASANOC president raised his concerns as it appears as that the Drua was running things without the knowledge of the parent body.

“I thought the FRU owns 49 per cent of the franchise; do we have a say? Why can’t we have a joint venture for development and outreach for rugby talents?” he added.

Sevens maestro Waisale Serevi also second the motion set out by Rodan.

“I think it would be better if there is a programme where both FRU and the Drua can be together. There are people out there who are confused whether to join the Drua or Fiji Rugby,” Serevi said.

He added there should be a pathway in place where both can work hand-in-hand to develop these talents.

Sanday said Rodan’s question was a sensitive one and they would look into it seriously.

Speaking to SUNsports, Sanday said in certain areas there has been conflicting objectives.

“It is in our interest, since Fiji Rugby owns a large quantity of Counteruck (company).

“It is our commercial interest they also do well, because their value rises, it reflects on our balance sheet” the former national rugby No.8 said.

Sanday said they would continue to do what they can so the Drua would continue to flourish.

“There have also been questions about shareholding. 

“That set-up has been done in a different time; but things have changed,” he said.

Sanday said it was time they would have to revisit and relook at how it was set-up.

“All the governing agreements will have to be revisited and brought to better alignment.