Full FRU inquiry should follow resignation of John O’Connor
While the goings-on in the Fiji Rugby Union were being whispered in the corridors of rugby powers, it was only a matter of time that things were going to surface.
The talk in the grapevine was pretty sketchy, but there were signs that all was not well.
It was not until an audit was done that breaches of governance were discovered in the finance section. It must have been that bad that it warranted the termination of three staff members.
FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor had gone on leave at the same time, sparking speculation that he too had been given his marching orders. While the FRU’s public relations machine had rolled into action and said he had taken leave he was owed and that he had been sick. The positive spin failed to dampen the growing chatter about his future. In fact, the writing was on the wall. The buck stopped with him, and he was responsible.
Whatever was found in the audit and led to the dismissal of three officers happened under his watch. That is why he had to go, although we are told it was his decision to resign to pursue other interests in life.
Mr O’Connor is one of the nicest and friendliest people. It was unfortunate that he had to take responsibility for what others did in his organisation. It comes with the territory, as they say.
While we wish well for his future endeavours, the audit should not stop in the finance section. It should expand to other sections of the FRU in a full inquiry. There is no suggestion that there is questionable conduct in other areas of the organisation.
Finance plays a key and influential role in any professional sport like rugby.
If it is not managed well, it could ultimately affect the performance of FRU sanctioned teams.
During Mr O’Connor’s term, national teams – both in men’s and women’s groups in the various age groups and levels of competition – have made significant progress. That’s an achievement that should be credited to him and his team.
At the same time, we must ask the “what if” questions. Could we have achieved more or better if….? That could only be appropriately answered in a full inquiry.
Not long ago, the FRU sent an under-prepared Under-20 team to take part in an international tournament where the team was smashed by the opposition by embarrassingly high scores.
The wisdom of sending an ill-prepared group to the slaughter was questioned in this column. We were told a report was being prepared and would be submitted to the FRU. What came out of that report and what action was taken to ensure that it is not repeated? The answer could be part of the full inquiry.
NEMANI DELAIBATIKI
Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj