Fiji military Deputy Commander and Fiji Navy Chief Commodore Humphrey Tawake has been appointed Fiji Rugby Union chair, replacing Conway Begg whose term has expired.
He will serve for four years at the helm of the FRU Board which sees two changes in Dr Berlin Kafoa and Bobby Naimawi making way for Muni Ratna and Trevor Nainoca whose appointments were endorsed during Rugby House’s annual general meeting in mid-November.
Tawake is no stranger to the sport. He was president for Suva Rugby Union for six years during which the capital city union rose to become champions of the Skipper Cup competition.
“Commodore Tawake will further the legacy of the Board and I am certain that under his chairmanship, we will continue to strive to move Rugby in Fiji forward from where we are at the moment and aspire for world standards, both on and off the field,” FRU Chairman John O’Connor said.
“I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank Directors Naimawi and Dr. Kafoa for their immense contribution in the transformation of Fiji Rugby but more importantly in their leadership through the tough two years due to COVID 19. Their valuable contribution is greatly appreciated.”
O’Connor also acknowledged and thanked outgoing Chairman, Conway Beg, for his leadership during his term especially in steering rugby in Fiji through the tough times due to COVID 19. With his leadership, we have been able to maneuver ourselves through the rough waters and are slowly returning back to some normalcy. We thank Mr. Beg for his contribution in the Fijian Drua negotiations.
In accepting the challenge, Commodore Tawake said that he is fortunate to lead Fiji’s biggest sporting organization.
“I’m happy to take up the appointment within the FRU Board and I’m glad that the nomination has come through from the Honorable Prime Minister,” said Commodore Tawake. “I have been involved with rugby for the last decade at various capacities and I know the feeling and how passionate the Fijian community is in-regards to rugby.”
“I must take this time to acknowledge the previous two Chairmen for their effort and their strategic leadership that has enabled FRU to achieve great milestone and be where it is today. I think the involvement of the Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific is a huge milestone for all of us and I must thank the leadership within FRU and those involved, including NZ Rugby and World Rugby for allowing Fiji to participate at that level.”
