Fiji Rugby Union Fires Director Over Controversial Remarks on Women’s Team

The Fiji Rugby Union has fired Laijipa Naulivou just days after appointing her as director. Her removal follows widespread criticism of her controversial remarks about the women’s national rugby team, in which she claimed they had a “gay problem.”

Union Responds Swiftly

On Wednesday, the Fiji Rugby Union confirmed her termination, emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and professionalism. Women’s rights activists had strongly condemned her statements, calling them “harmful and discriminatory.” Consequently, the Union decided to take immediate action.

Interview Triggers Public Outrage

During a recent interview, Naulivou admitted that she had previously called for the coach’s removal. Additionally, she argued that a panel, rather than “a person who practices lesbianism,” should be responsible for team selection. She went on to say, “To me, that is unethical and it’s not right.”

Moreover, she blamed homosexuality for player retention issues, describing it as “one big drawback” when the Fiji women’s team competed in an HSBC Sevens tournament. After managing the team for just three weeks before that event, she later wrote a report pushing for the coach’s dismissal.

Women’s Rights Groups Strongly Condemn Her Comments

Following her remarks, the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement swiftly responded. Executive Director Nalini Singh criticized Naulivou’s views, stating, “The notion that being gay is a ‘problem’ in women’s rugby is deeply troubling and perpetuates harmful stereotypes that have no place in modern sports or society.”

Furthermore, Singh urged officials to prioritize player welfare over personal scrutiny. She asserted, “Rather than focusing your efforts on the sexuality of the players, you do your job and look for adequate funding and provide for the well-being of the women rugby players so that they don’t have to sleep on benches in front of airports and walk miles to their training.”

Women’s Team Faces Discrimination

Previously, reports revealed that the Fiji women’s rugby team endured unfair treatment. In 2023, players were forced to sleep on benches outside Sydney Airport, while the men’s team stayed in a nearby hotel. As a result, fans were outraged. However, authorities dismissed the incident as a “miscommunication.”

Fiji Women’s Rugby: Achievements and Setbacks

Despite these challenges, the Fiji women’s rugby team has made remarkable progress. In 2016, they became the first Pacific nation to qualify for the Rio Olympics. Then, in 2021, they secured a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. However, their performance at the Paris Games last year was disappointing, as they finished last among 12 teams. At that time, reports suggested that internal divisions, including accusations of lesbianism, had caused tensions within the squad.

Naulivou’s Role and Controversy

Naulivou has been a key figure in Fijian rugby. Not only was she the first captain of the women’s national team, but she also advocated for greater inclusion of women in the male-dominated sport. Nevertheless, her recent remarks overshadowed her past contributions.

Rugby Union Takes a Firm Stand

On Saturday, Naulivou assumed the role of Fiji Rugby Union director after her predecessor stepped down. However, as criticism mounted, she attempted to resign. Instead, the Union decided to terminate her contract.

Explaining its decision, the Board stated, “While she had tendered her resignation, the Board determined that a firm stance was necessary to reinforce its commitment to upholding professional standards and safeguarding the integrity of Fiji Rugby.”

Reassuring its athletes, the Union added, “Our women’s team and all players can rest assured that this will in no way impact their opportunities, representation, and continued development as integral members of Fiji Rugby.”