Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) Board chairman John Sanday has outlined the Union’s ambitious plans as the country gears up for a promising year in rugby. Central to these plans is the upcoming Rugby Nations Cup, which represents a significant milestone for Fiji as it enters the global rugby landscape, a domain previously dominated by larger nations.
Sanday reflected on the recent northern tour, where Fiji’s players showcased their skills on the field while the administrative team engaged with major tier-one unions in boardrooms. This experience has proven invaluable, providing insights into the operational strategies of top-tier rugby nations.
He underscored the importance of professionalism within the clubs, suggesting that teams begin to analyze their weekly games in terms of profit and loss. This operational strategy will help clubs not only assess their crowd turnout and financial performance but also identify ways to improve week by week.
Emphasizing the necessity of continuous professional development, Sanday remarked, “It’s about the professionalization. We want to send that message down,” focusing on enhancing global branding and integrating data analytics to elevate the standards within the clubs and unions. The aim is for all participants to operate at an international best-practice level.
Looking to the future, Sanday remains optimistic about Fiji’s ascent within the global rugby arena. He believes that while it may take time to achieve tier-one status, collective growth will ultimately lead to significant accomplishments, including aspirations to win the Rugby World Cup.
With a strong commitment to professionalism, strategic planning, and leveraging lessons learned from elite rugby nations, Sanday’s vision heralds a transformative period for Fiji rugby as it seeks to create a lasting impact on the world stage. This progressive approach not only signals hope for Fiji’s rugby future but also highlights the potential for the nation to position itself competitively among the best in the sport.