Fiji Rugby fires Naulivou over controversial remarks

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has dismissed former women’s captain Laijipa Naulivou from her role as Director of Rugby just four days into her tenure, following controversial comments she made regarding LGBTQ+ players in women’s rugby.

Naulivou, who was the first captain of Fiji’s women’s rugby team, resigned before the FRU officially terminated her appointment. The decision was made to uphold the organization’s professional standards and commitment to inclusivity.

The FRU issued a strong statement reinforcing its stance against discrimination. "The FRU categorically rejects any form of discrimination," the governing body stated, emphasizing that all players would continue to be treated equally, irrespective of their personal lives or identities.

Naulivou’s remarks, which were published in the Fiji Sun, included claims that women’s rugby had a "gay problem" and that she did not support LGBTQ+ players.

She further suggested that internal divisions related to sexuality within the women’s sevens squad were a factor in Fiji’s poor performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Fiji’s women’s rugby team had previously made history by winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. However, in Paris 2024, the squad struggled, losing all five of their matches and finishing last. Naulivou linked the team’s disappointing results to alleged internal rifts over sexuality.

The FRU swiftly distanced itself from her views, stating that "The views expressed by Laijipa Naulivou are her personal opinions and do not reflect the official position of FRU."

The organization assured that all players, regardless of sexual orientation, would continue to receive equal opportunities for representation and development within Fiji Rugby.

Following Naulivou’s dismissal, the FRU announced plans to "conduct a rigorous and transparent selection process" to appoint a new Director of Rugby.

The governing body reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a culture of inclusivity, stating that rugby in Fiji will continue to uphold the principles of equality and respect.