The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has dismissed Laijipa Naulivou just four days after her appointment as Director of Rugby. This decision follows widespread controversy sparked by Naulivou's remarks alleging a "lesbian problem" within women's rugby, leading to immediate action by the FRU.
Read Also...:
England in India: Statistics Brendon McCullum must change as England white-ball coach
02-07, 2025
Premier League Darts results: Luke Humphries beats Chris Dobey for Belfast win, Luke Littler loses
02-07, 2025
Mary Fowler: Manchester City's bright light' as club reach Women's League Cup final
02-07, 2025
Liverpool reach Carabao Cup final: Arne Slot says 'only special if you win'
02-07, 2025Naulivou was the inaugural captain of the Fiji national women's rugby team. In an interview with the Fiji Sun this week, she stated her opposition to the presence of homosexual individuals in the women's rugby team, suggesting they should be excluded if the team is "affected." She explicitly expressed her consistent opposition to lesbianism in women's rugby and acknowledged her unpopular stance on the issue, which ultimately proved untenable.
Naulivou also referenced an old report provided by former Fiji international Pio Bosco Tikoisuva during his tenure as FRU head in the early 2000s. This report purportedly claimed that lesbianism was a problem in European women's rugby. She argued that player retention and lesbian issues were two major problems cited in European rugby nations' reports, and Fiji was no exception, highlighting the perceived relevance of the historical report.
In a statement, the FRU announced the termination of Naulivou's employment. The statement noted that while Naulivou had submitted her resignation, the board deemed it necessary to take a firm stance to reinforce its commitment to upholding professional standards and safeguarding the integrity of Fijian rugby. The FRU unequivocally opposes all forms of discrimination, ensuring a clear message of inclusivity.
The Australian women's rugby team (Wallaroos) is scheduled to play Fijiana in Fiji on May 3, followed by participation in the Pacific Four Series in Newcastle, Canberra, and Brisbane against the New Zealand Black Ferns, the United States, and Canada, respectively. These international matches serve as preparation for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. Australia is in Group A with England, the USA, and Samoa, while Fijiana is in Group B with Wales, Scotland, and Canada, setting the stage for intense competition.
