The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) convened its 2025 Annual General Meeting last Saturday, where member unions, trustees, and the executive team gathered to reflect on the past year, present their FInancial report for the year ended 31st December 2024 and shape the path forward.
Financial Accounts Overview
The Union recorded a modest net income of $105,962 (US$52,981) for the financial year ended 31 December 2024, compared to $1.07 million (US$535,000) the previous year because of Rugby World Cup expenses. Total Gross income reached $29.7 million (US$14.85 million), primarily driven by corporate sponsorships, Government and World Rugby grants.
The Trustees confirmed the Union remains a going concern, supported by multi-year sponsorship agreements and continued assistance from World Rugby and the Fijian Government.
Governance & Compliance Commitments
A one-time waiver of the 7-day financial notice requirement was formally passed to accommodate delays in audit finalisation.
A one-time waiver of voting compliance was also adopted, with a clear commitment by all unions to meet compliance requirements by the next AGM.
Boosting Domestic Competitions
Strong concerns were raised over the marketing and funding of the Skipper Cup and Farebrother Trophy, competitions which unions rely on for gate revenue and community engagement. The FRU acknowledged these concerns and confirmed:
Gate revenue retention and branding flexibility for unions are under review to ensure grassroots sustainability.
Rugby Gets a New Leader
The AGM celebrated the appointment of Lailanie Burnes as Director of Rugby. A former Fijiana captain, World Rugby coach educator, and media professional, Burnes outlined a vision focused on inclusivity, grassroots empowerment, and high-performance development for both men’s and women’s pathways.
Strategic Brand and Asset Valuation
Trustees confirmed the initiation of a professional valuation process for:
FRU’s brand, to benchmark its global commercial value,
Player Release Fees & Agent Oversight
The AGM highlighted the need for better systems to track and enforce player release fees from overseas clubs. The FRU outlined plans to launch a centralized Rugby Global Agency licensing structure, working in alignment with Fiji’s employment laws.
A Unified Commitment to Reform and Growth
The AGM concluded with clear agreement on the need to streamline operations, enhance financial transparency, and invest in domestic structures. With positive growth in revenue and strong stakeholder engagement, the FRU reaffirmed its mission to elevate Fijian rugby across all levels—from grassroots to the global stage.
