Changes at FRU RUGBY ADMINISTRATION

There could be a change of guard at

Rugby House.

This was after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced on Wednesday, his appointment of Suva lawyer Simione Valenitabua to the Fiji Rugby Union board of directors.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter addressed to the FRU board chairman. “Valenitabua by virtue of my appointment replaces the incumbent nominee of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarana,” Rabuka stated in his letter.

Bainimarama’s nominee was Commodore Humphrey Tawake, who is the current executive chairman of FRU.

A well-placed source within FRU, told SUNsports that the change through the Prime Minister’s nominee was effective immediately. “They don’t have to wait for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April,” the source said.

“The Prime Minister’s nominee to the FRU board is done as soon as the letter of his appointment is received.

“Yes, there are some board of directors who are completing their terms but the changeover will happen during the AGM but not the Prime Minister’s nominee.”

All questions to FRU yesterday was referred to FRU board of director and deputy chairman, Daniel Whippy.

Whippy has been representing the FRU board as some major events like the recent announcement of the Flying Fijians head coach.

It is understood that Whippy could be temporarily in-charge of FRU.

The source also indicated that the appointment of the chairman was now done by the board of directors and not at the AGM.

The other Prime Minister’s (Bainimarama) nominees of Filimoni Waqabaca, Francis Kean and Conway Beg also served as FRU chairman.

Another notable changeover at upcoming AGM is the stepping down of Bainimarama as the FRU president.