The newly appointed Chair of Fiji’s Rugby Union Trustees Board has revealed that the organization is burdened with staggering debt levels and legal complications that must be addressed before the end of the year. According to the board’s chair, Peter Mazey, the rugby governing body’s debt is significantly higher than the FJ$1.7 million reported in its 2022 audited financial statement. The true level of debt has been revealed to be FJ$3.5 million.
The critical state of the organization’s finances was brought to light after members of the national women’s rugby team, the Fijiana, expressed their dissatisfaction and disappointment over outstanding allowances. The revelation has called into question the Union’s ability to uphold its obligations to its players and raise concerns over the future of Fiji’s rugby.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the new trustees board is taking steps to rectify the situation and ensure that the Union is put back on the path to financial stability. The board has outlined a plan of action to address the overwhelming debt and tackle the legal challenges that the organization faces.
The Fijian Rugby Union has a storied history, and rugby holds an essential place in the country’s culture and identity. However, the current state of the Union’s finances threatens the survival of the organization and could have a significant impact on Fiji’s rugby community. It remains to be seen how successful the trustees board’s efforts will be in turning the Union’s fortunes around, but one thing is clear: decisive action is needed to prevent the collapse of this beloved institution.
