FRU Posts Consolidated Profit of $929k, Unveils ‘Fijian Latui’ Pathway and 2026 Skipper Cup Format

Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) Chief Executive Officer Koli Sewabu has delivered a robust post-Annual General Meeting update, revealing a consolidated profit of nearly $1 million for the 2025 financial year alongside major structural changes for the 2026 domestic season.

 

Speaking after the FRU’s AGM held at the Novotel in Lami over the weekend, Sewabu confirmed that the organization performed exceptionally well financially. The Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited recorded a profit of $231,920, while the Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board posted $697,615, bringing the total consolidated profit to $929,535.

 

Looking ahead to the 2026 international season, Sewabu expressed optimism regarding the upcoming Nations Championship. The FIJI Water Flying Fijians are set to name a strong 60-member extended squad for the July test matches against Wales, England, and Scotland.

 

The CEO also outlined significant changes to the domestic competition, scheduled for June.

 

The top 10 teams from the 2025 season have automatically secured their spots in the 2026 Skipper Cup. The two remaining positions—to complete a 12-team competition—will be decided through an elimination tournament featuring teams from the Vodafone Vanua Cup.

 

The top team from Viti Levu and the top team from Vanua Levu will earn promotion as the 11th and 12th sides in the Skipper Cup.

 

In a major development, Sewabu announced that the concept of the Fijian Latui has been approved by the FRU Board and will be formalized soon. The Latui will serve as an additional pathway to the Flying Fijians, complementing the existing Fijian Warriors and Fijian Drua programs.

 

The Latui team will be composed of the best players from the domestic competition as well as eligible Fijian players competing in other competitions in Europe and the UK. The side will target to play exhibition matches in France and England.

 

Furthering player development both on and off the field, Sewabu confirmed the partnership with Australia Pacific Management Institute (APMT) to develop Life After Rugby & Sports (LARS) program.

 

The initiative will provide formal and technical training, equipping players with skills and relevant knowledge that will benefit them in life after rugby. The program will also look to assist the transition of players into life after rugby, equipping them with the rights tools, qualification, skills and knowledge to become tutors, mentors and ambassadors of the program, and giving them an employment option at the end of their playing career.

Further, Fiji Rugby will expand its high performance wing to the north, and have signed the agreement with Labasa Town Council for the establishment of the High Performance Unit in Labasa – FRU will launch the HPU Labasa branch in the coming months.