Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports and is played in more than 100 countries. The sport is controlled by the international Rugby Board (IRB). With 111 member unions, it is responsible for the development and control of rugby worldwide, as well as the staging and management of Rugby World Cup and the IRB’s World 7’s tournament and age group world championships.
The IRB strategic plan approved on November 2004 identified the need to improve the competitiveness of both Tier One (top ten competitive Unions) and Tier Two Unions (the next seven Unions three of whom are in Oceania/Pacific).
As part of the IRB Tier Two initiative and investment, the IRB appointed High Performance Managers to implement and monitor high performance strategies.
Within Fiji the key elements looked at in terms of high performance include athletes, athlete pathway, coaches, coaching structures, existing domestic competition structures, equipment and facilities (this includes the upgrading of gymnasiums and rugby pitches), sports science and sports medicine.
Role of HPU
To improve the standard of play in Fiji so the Flying Fijians regularly make the quarterfinals and semi-finals at any given RWC.
To support all national teams’ (Flying Fijians, Warriors, Digicel Fiji 7s, Fiji U20, Fijiana) preparation and competition programmes.
To provide the direction and management of the international and domestic elite players’ training and competition environment thereby improving the international success and status of rugby for all Fijian national teams.
Primary focus
1. High Performance (HP) Infrastructure
Licensed Training Centres with Gymnasiums x 6, gym equipment, on and off field equipment – scrum machines, balls, hit shields etc and high performance offices.
2. High Performance management and daily training environment
HP staff – coaches, managers, fitness trainers, sports science and specialised coaches.
Scholarship players (senior and academy) accommodation, meals, transportation, training allowances & health insurance.
3. Union Infrastructure
HP coaching development, HP manager development, HP fitness trainer development.
HP sports science development and HP referee development.
HPU Funding and Strategic Initiative (SI) Agreement
The HPU receives all funding from the International Rugby Board Trust (IRBT) from which all funds are to be dedicated to servicing the needs of the HPU. In 2009 the strategic initiatives (SI) union agreement was renewed with the IRBT for four years thereby ensuring funds are available for the HPU until 2012.
The HPU has many rigorous checks and balances that need to be followed in order to see that the money is being spent responsibly and within the proposed areas set out in the HP plan. Funding is transferred to the HPU in quarterly instalments corresponding to the approved HP budget. Prior to receiving the next quarter’s funding, the HPU must provide audited books of the previous quarters income and expenditure against the proposed budget as well as a detailed report of the HPUs activities for each quarter against the agreed-to KPIs and corresponding strategic plan of the HPU.
Outcome Goals (2008/9 to 2012)
- Fiji National Team to be within the top 8 ranked rugby playing country in the world
- Fiji National Team to be within the top 3 at the IRB Pacific Nations Cup Competition each year.
- Fiji U20 to be within the top 10 at the Junior World Championships each year in which it is held.
- IRB Pacific Rugby Cup – Fiji teams to be 1st & 2nd in the tournament.
- Coaching of rugby officials through the FRU HPU referee unit to be of International Standard.
- Establishment of world class LTC’s strategically around the country.
Current HPU Activities – Jan 2012
Listed below are a number of the major activities that the FRU HPU has been engaged in, in the 1st quarter of 2012:
- IRB World Series 7s preparation camps for Leg 2 (Wellington & LA)
- Fitness Testing of all 7s players prior to selection
- Fitness Testing of all Senior Players prior to selection for PRC Trial
- Fitness Testing of all U20 Players prior to selection for JWC (U20) Trial
- Junior World Championship (U20) trials – 28 /1/2012
- Pacific Rugby Cup Trial – 27/1/2012
- Preparation of Fiji Barbarian Team for Dubai Tour
- Preparation of HPU 4th Quarter 2011 Financial Accounts
- Preparation of Budgets for PRC Camps, 7’s camps
- 2012 HPU Operational Budget revision (still in progress)
Major plans for the year 2012
- Upgrading of HPU Office (HPM, HC, Academy Coach and Medical Clinic)
- Employment of fulltime Head Coach
- License renewal for Fairplay (Opta)
- Renewal of Teams Travel Insurance Program
- Purchase of Supplements
- Preparation and Development of Senior/Junior players through DTE
- Purchase of Academy Players Outfitting
- Sports Science and Trainers Medical workshops
- Coaches Workshop ( joint funding with FRU Development Unit)
- Development and Up skilling of Staff – Training
- Referees Workshops
- Project Research – sports science programs
- International Outings – IRB 7’s appointments for HP Referees
- Preparation of Fiji U20 Team – Junior Rugby World Cup competition
- Preparation of Fiji Warriors Team for PRC Tournament
- Preparation of Flying Fijian 15’s Team for PNC Tournament
- Preparation of Flying Fijian 15’s Team for one of Test Match with Scotland
- Preparation of Fiji A Team for Punjas Series – Fiji A vs Tonga A
- Preparation of Flying Fijian Team for the Northern Hemisphere Tour in November
