Rugby House CEO post ‘illegal’

2018 Constitution that was declared unlawful and illegal by the Minister of Justice as custodian of titles and deeds,” Valenitabua said.

“The administrator is the CEO equivalent. Until members of the board of trustees are confirmed and meet, I will carry out my role.”

SUNsports has been informed that Tevita Tuiloa, Koli Sewabu and Joe Rodan (Snr) have been shortlisted for the CEO position.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, had used powers vested in him under the Charitable Trust Act, to protect the assets and operations of FRU; appoint interim trustees of the FRU to take it forward to a Special General Meeting and appoint an interim administrator to act on behalf of interim trustees.

Mr Valenitabua was appointed interim administrator by the Minister for Justice, on Wednesday.

The CEO’s position had been left vacant after the resignation of John O’Connor in January. O’Connor was the CEO since 2016, succeeding Radrodro Tabualevu.

As for the appointment of the Interim Trustees, Valenitabua said it would be done by the Minister for Justice “…once all members have consented to the appointment and signed their respective letter of appointment.”

Mr Valenitabua, who was Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s nominee to the Fiji Rugby Union board, understands that good governance and integrity are part of World Rugby principles.

He added that the FRU’s constitution governing its affairs as charitable trust, be reviewed and amended accordingly, as per the directions of the interim board of trustees.