Lutunauga is FNRL chair

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Aporosa Lutunauga, is the new board chairman of the Fiji National Rugby League.

He takes over from Viliame Naupoto who resigned late last year after he was sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP). Lutunauga thanked Naupoto for his service and unwavering commitment to the game, players and members.

“We come by very few generous men and women who would have held the role, made tremendous progress and produced these accomplishments during the past three years,” he said.

“We are grateful as a sporting community to have had his (Naupoto) service and now look forward to furthering these accomplishments in the next three years.” Lutunauga has set his eyes on the road to the 2025 Rugby League World Cup in France and intends to work with stakeholders to deliver a five-year strategic plan. This is to modernise the FNRL through reforms and restructuring to ensure effectiveness and relevancy.

“I also acknowledge the support of Vodafone Fiji for supporting FNRL, through its sponsorship and we are looking forward to working with them in taking the sport forward into the future.”

Former Merchant Finance chief executive Napolioni Batimala is currently the deputy chairman. Other directors include Taniela Vakamoce, Ilaitia Tagituimua, Apenisa Dansey and Reverend Josaia Bose.

Competitions

Meanwhile, FNRL chief executive officer Don Natabe said for this year’s Vodafone Cup competition, they are bringing back the Top 8 competition.

“This involves the top eight elite men’s and women’s teams,” he said.

Natabe said they were still working on finalising the main competition and also the other grades.

“The club competition starts on April 25 while the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League gets underway on February 25,” he said.

Natabe indicated that they have not set a starting date for the Vanua Levu competition as officials are yet to give their feedback.

Process

Lutunauga said the FNRL management are putting together a process in which they’ll appoint the Fiji Bati head coach after Joe Rabele’s term has expired.