FRFU Announces Interim Committee for Secondary Schools Rugby

The Fiji Rakavi Football Union Ltd (FRFU Ltd) convened a press conference this morning to provide an update on the status of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU) competitions, including the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve tournaments.

 

Following ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Education and representatives from the FSSRU Executive Committee, FRFU Ltd confirmed the formation of an interim committee to oversee the administration, review, and strategic alignment of secondary school rugby in Fiji.

 

The interim committee members are

1.Ministry of Education Nominees:

Timoci Bure – Permanent Secretary

Mr Taniela Domoni – Divisional Education Officer., Central

 

2.FSSRU Nominees:

Savenaca Muamua – Vice president, Admin & Finance

Biu Colati – Vice President Development

 

3.FRFU Ltd Appointed Members:

Ms Cathy Wong – Director Womens Rugby

Mr Lionel Danford – National Development Manager

Mr Naca Cawanibuka – GM High Performance Unit

Ms Lailanie Burnes – Former Fijiana 15s Captain

Administrator: Mr Talemo Waqa – Regional Training Manager, World Rugby/Oceania Rugby

 

This decision follows an earlier statement from FRFU Acting CEO Koli Sewabu, highlighting the need to realign schools’ rugby with national governance frameworks and World Rugby best practices. The interim committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Education, FSSRU, and FRFU, with an independent administrator to ensure transparency and accountability.

 

“The formation of this interim committee is a collaborative solution to respect the concerns of the Ministry while ensuring schools rugby remains under an accountable and aligned framework,” said Mr. Sewabu. “Our young players deserve clarity, structure, and the opportunity to play the game they love.”

 

At today’s press briefing, interim committee member Mr. Talemo Waqa emphasized the importance of collaboration, alignment, and transparency. He also reiterated FRFU’s and the Ministry’s shared goal: to ensure that school competitions proceed smoothly and that teachers, players, and communities are supported through this transition.

 

The committee’s priorities include:

• Immediate oversight of the 2025 secondary schools’ rugby calendar
• Review of the FSSRU Constitution and governance processes
• Implementation of training and accreditation for coaches, match officials, and school rugby administrators
• Introduction of safeguarding, player welfare, and anti-doping education in line with World Rugby standards
• Development of clear high-performance pathways from school competitions to elite rugby programs

 

Mr. Waqa added:

“We are committed to ensuring our teachers feel supported, our players are safe, and our systems are accountable. The game belongs to the students, and we are here to protect and nurture their pathway — both as athletes and young citizens.”

Parents, principals, and the public are assured that both the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve competitions will proceed, with official fixtures to be confirmed by the interim committee shortly. FRFU Ltd will also provide necessary funding and logistical support to ensure the games begin as early as this weekend.