FSSRU Begins Key Workshop on Governance, Welfare and Growth

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has commenced a three-day workshop in Suva, that started yesterday, aimed at strengthening the future of secondary schools rugby by addressing key governance, player welfare, and long-term development issues.

The workshop brings together executives from the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU) and representatives from all four zones — Western, Northern, Central, and Eastern — alongside school executives, Ministry of Education officials, and Fiji Rugby Union leadership.

The initiative is designed to create stronger governance systems, improve player welfare standards, and develop clear long-term strategies to support the continued growth of schools rugby across Fiji.
The workshop forms part of FRU’s broader efforts to strengthen schools rugby structures and ensure they remain aligned with national rugby objectives while continuing to develop young players throughout the country.

Speaking during the opening session, Fiji Rugby Union Acting Chief Operations Officer and Interim Chair of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Interim Committee, Talemo Waqa, highlighted the importance of the workshop in building a more sustainable and effective structure for schools rugby.
He said the workshop is focused on clearly separating governance responsibilities from the operational management of competitions, while ensuring constitutional matters remain distinct from competition rules and participation frameworks.

Mr Waqa said the initiative is expected to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency across all levels of schools rugby administration.

“Participants also reviewed how the organisation’s structure can support a proposed 10-year strategic plan built around four key pillars: future performance excellence, stakeholder empowerment, commercial and financial viability, and brand prominence,” he said.

A key theme from the opening day was the importance of protecting and strengthening the schools rugby brand while ensuring decisions made today continue to benefit future generations of players, schools, and communities.

The workshop also placed strong emphasis on safeguarding and education.

Mr Waqa said a dedicated safeguarding session is scheduled for Wednesday and will focus on the code of conduct, harassment prevention, reporting procedures, and creating safer environments for students, coaches, officials, and supporters.

By the end of day one, stakeholders identified five key outcomes to be achieved during the workshop:

• Agreement on constitutional amendments
• Approval of competition and terms of participation adjustments
• Adoption of a core policy framework
• Confirmation of player welfare and compliance standards
• Definition of an implementation plan

The workshop continues over the next two days, with further sessions covering financial controls, governance systems, competition management, commercial opportunities, and practical strategies to support the continued growth of rugby in Fiji schools.

The FRU-led workshop marks an important step in ensuring schools rugby remains well-managed, sustainable, and positioned for long-term success.