There’s a disconnect between FRU and Govt – Speaker

Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu says there seems to be a disconnect in the role of Fiji Rugby Union and the government.

Ratu Naiqama highlighted this in Parliament when Opposition MP, Rinesh Sharma raised that youths are discouraged from playing after seeing what's happening with FRU regarding the payment to players.

The Speaker further says the former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama previously offered to build the captain’s house but it wasn’t fulfilled and was later done by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

He adds there ius some kind of a disconnection that they don't know whether to pin the thing on the government or the ministry.

Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru says the FRU has removed the Prime Minister's nominee from its Board of Trustees, so the government does not have a say in its running.

Saukuru says the union and members of FRU can voice their concerns during the Annual General Meeting which is scheduled for November.

The Minister for Sports clarifies that the $20,000 per player has been paid out after the Tokyo Olympics.

Meanwhile, Opposition MP, Premila Kumar says it's essential that consultation should take place with the players who are already complaining about so many things. Kumar says rugby as a career can generate a lot of money.

While responding to that, Saukuru says they are about to call for expressions of interest for the setting up of the review team to build up a better future for sports.