FRU Appoints New GM
The Fiji Rugby Union has today confirmed the appointment of Mr. Geoff Webster as the General Manager Rugby for a term of three years.
Webster comes to this position with wide knowledge and experience gained from 22 years of coaching, professionally for a combined 8 years which included overseas roles in Portugal and Ireland. Prior to taking up his new role he was employed with Athlete’s Foot as Group Chief Operations Manager and had a lengthy commercial career that saw him as Director C.O.O in his 14 years with the company.
GM Rugby – Mr. Geoff Webster
FRU Chief Executive Officer, Mr John O’Connor said that the Board and World Rugby are excited with the appointment of Mr Webster.
“We are very pleased that he has accepted our offer and the challenge to further enhance the Development of High Performance Rugby throughout all levels of our Rugby Structures in Fiji starting from the grassroots club level, primary school, secondary school, provincial and elite levels” O’Connor said.
“The role of the General Manager Rugby which Mr Webster walks into is a totally different and larger role from that of the previous General Manager High Performance role. Mr Webster’s role will now include addressing strategic and operational Rugby matters including all local domestic competition, primary and secondary school competition, junior development programs and competitions and development programs for coaches, technical officials and match officials right through to our elite high performance teams. One of his major roles is to ensure we improve our relationship, network and development alignment and coordination with our affiliate Unions so that we are all working towards one goal and objective as we move Rugby in Fiji forward.
Mr. O’Connor further added that previous General Managers were only responsible for the High Performance and Development Unit of FRU but the current Board and Management firmly are of the view that we cannot sustain high performance at the elite level if we do not get the basics at our grassroots domestic levels right.
Mr. Webster highlighted that he was excited about his role and his involvement with Fiji Rugby and was looking forward to the challenge.
“While I understand the size of the challenge, I am also excited about the opportunity and I am looking forward to getting to know the Rugby Family in Fiji, understand the culture and tradition and working with everyone involved in moving Rugby here to greater heights. I am confident that I will make a positive contribution to Fiji Rugby.”
Webster is an accredited Level 3 Rugby Coach with the ARU and an accredited Level 1 Rugby League Coach. He has a Diploma in Elite Coaching (ASC/AIS) and also has a Master’s in Business Administration. Apart from his Coaching, Mr Webster also has vast experience at Management level in Business Organisations.
Mr Webster commenced his new role at the FRU on the 8th of December 2016.