FRU bold move to control 7s comp
The Fiji Rugby Union must be commended for taking ownership and control in sanctioning sevens rugby tournaments in the country in the future. Creating an official window for rugby’s abbreviated version to be played from November to March every year is a bold and timely move which is long overdue. There is a great need for FRU to sanction 7s tournaments within a defined period because it augurs well for the game, 7s and 15s, in the long run.
As in the Skipper Cup Premiership, Vodafone Vanua Championship and HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge Series, only FRU personnel will be in charge at its sanctioned events and likewise national selectors/coaches will be available to scout for new talents.
The issue has always been a topic of discussions and debates in rugby forums over the years.
Union delegates raised their concerns at a recent FRU meeting at the number of 7s tournaments organised around the country which was hurting the preparation of players for the 15s season.
Furthermore many tournaments did not comply with minimum safety and player welfare requirements. For so long our obsession with 7s took a direct hit on how our players performed on the global front.
Our players played a lot of sevens rugby tournaments throughout the year, but it has minimal effect on our performance in the World Sevens Series.
Since it started 19 years ago, we managed to win the series twice while New Zealand, home of the champion All Blacks, has won 12 times.
Our inconsistency on the series could be due to us playing too much sevens and not giving enough time for players to rest.
FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor said; “We want the players to have proper rest after each season and have a proper off-season programme so they perform well in our domestic competitions and compete for positions in the Under-20, the Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors and likewise get contracted for the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua.”
While negotiations are still underway for FRU to take full control of Kaji and Deans Rugby competitions, our national sport will definitely reap the benefits in the long run with Rugby House in total control.
But the decision to sanction 7s tournaments from November to March is a move in the right direction and kudos to FRU for the bold move.