Fiji chairman resigns from World Rugby council

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has confirmed that chairman Francis Kean has resigned from the World Rugby council following allegations of homophobia.

The decision follows after the World Rugby has launched an investigation on Kean, who was convicted for a for manslaughter in 2007 after the Sunday Times made the claims on the 54-year-old.

"World Rugby notes the Fiji Rugby Union's decision to stand down Fiji Rugby Union Chairman Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean from the World Rugby Council, and therefore withdrawing his candidature for the World Rugby Executive Committee, following new allegations published in the UK Sunday Times.

"World Rugby takes all allegations of behaviour that is not in keeping with the sport's strong and inclusive values and Bye-Laws extremely seriously.

"While it is important to stress that any allegations must be validated, following dialogue with World Rugby, the Fiji Rugby Union recognises the seriousness of the allegations made and the need for them to be fully investigated, and that it is in the best interests of the sport that Mr Kean steps down from the Council and his Executive Committee candidature be withdrawn."

The FRU seconded Sir Bill Beaumont's nomination for a re-election as World Rugby chairman and now the Fiji board had confirmed that its seat in the World Rugby council will be taken by chief executive John O'Connor.