Lutunauga appointed as new Chairman of FNRL

Assistant Commissioner of Police Aporosa Lutunauga has been appointed as the new chairman of the Fiji National Rugby League board.

This was confirmed by FNRL Chief Executive Officer Don Natabe, during a press conference at their office today.

Natabe says Lutunauga will take over the new role from former Chairman, Viliame Naupoto, who resigned from the FNRL board.

He says Lutunauga will continue his tenure as director and now Chairman of the board towards the 2025 Rugby League World Cup, reaffirming his commitment to the Fijian Rugby League community in Fiji and internationally.

Meanwhile, Lutunauga acknowledged the outgoing Chairman, Naupoto, for his service and commitment to the game, the players and the members during his tenure as Chairman.

He says despite the challenges faced within the FNRL board in the lead up to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup due to the pandemic, the League managed to launch the women's elite premiership, the inter-state championship and the the establishment of the Northern state rugby league in Vanua Levu.

Lutunauga says the league have came by very few generous men and women who would have held the role, made tremendous progress and produced these accomplishments during the challenging past 3 years and they are now looking forward to furthering these accomplishments in the next 3 years.

The newly appointed Chairman says he has set his eyes on the road to the 2025 RLWC in France and intends to work with stakeholders to deliver a 5-year strategic plan for the sport and modernize the FNRL through reforms and restructuring to ensure effectiveness, efficiency and relevancy.

He also acknowledged the support of Vodafone Fiji towards FNRL and they are looking forward to working with them in taking the sport towards the future.

Former CEO of Merchant Finance, Napolitano Batimala is currently the Deputy Chairman of FNRL and other directors include Taniela Vakamoce, Ilaitia Tagituimua, America Dansey and Rev. Josaia Bose who will continue their term on the board.