Mediocrity in Rugby is a sin

Watched the movie Jobs today – what a cool movie with an important lesson for any individual or organisation. Never accept Mediocrity. Martha Graham called mediocrity, the ‘only sin’. Okay here I am all psyched up and imagine my disappointment to see the head line as I logged into Facebook ‘Dere happy with Mini-Pacific games performance’.

We lost the Gold but he’s happy. Right there he’s saying it is okay to be mediocre. No its not.

Most of us live in mediocrity. That is we accept to be in the middle because that’s where most other people are. Our friends are there, school mates are there, work mates are there. In the middle ground where least effort is needed. We are just going with the flow.

With the Fiji Rugby sevens performance in the last 2 years – that’s exactly where we are – at the middle. Fijian Rugby needs to learn that mediocrity is no longer acceptable. It is no longer acceptable to drop the minimum bench press weight for a prop just because they can’t. It is no longer acceptable to have a kicker with goal kicking accuracy of less than 50%.

With the search for a new Sevens coach, debate ensues as to who it should be. Many want a local so communication with the team is clear. Many want someone with experience in sevens such as Serevi. But I say get someone who is passionate about sevens, knows sevens and will not accept Mediocrity.

We don’t want mediocrity. We want excellence. We will not accept anything less.

FRU CEO Baravilala out

6 September 2013

Media Release – Appointment of Executive Chairman

(For Immediate Release)

The Fiji Rugby Union Board has undertaken a review of the operations of the FRU business and intends to implement reforms and improvements to the administration, management and operations of the FRU business during its term.

As a strategic and formal step in that direction, after due consultation with relevant stakeholders, the board has decided to exercise its option to end its employment contract with the current Chief Executive Officer, Mr Manasa Baravilala, effective immediately, and advertise this role at the earliest convenience.

In the interim, the Chairman of the FRU shall necessarily assume certain executive responsibilities, as the Executive Chairman of the FRU, until a suitable replacement has been appointed as CEO of the FRU.

I take this opportunity to thank the members of the Rugby Council and all stakeholders for their continued support of the board in its elected mandate to reform the operations of the FRU.

Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the FRU Media Officer Talei Mow on Mobile:7071038 or Email:talei.mow@fijirugby.net

Vinaka

Filimone Waqabaca

Chairman

Opinion: What's happened to team spirit?

Brian O'Driscoll is still bitter and resentful after being dropped from the final Lions test against the Wallabies. Gatland had gone for the Welsh pair of Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts and leaving out O'Driscoll in their astounding 41-16 victory.

In a recent Sky Sports interview O'Driscoll voiced his bitterness saying 'Do I resent him?Yeah..'. Pictures after the game shows O'Driscoll enjoying the festivities following that victory with the predominantly Welsh Lions winning team.

What is amazing is that he puts his displeasure of not playing that test over the teams outstanding victory. Its absolutely un-sportsmanlike (if there's such a word). We often get players who think that they are greater than the team. They think it's their right to be playing. The result obviously shows that Gatland had made the right decision.

Rugby players need to understand 'team ideology' and if O'Driscoll a veteran international and captain doesn't then we've got a problem. Players need to realize this and put their priorities right. They are there for the team, not the team for them.

Caucau big hit on Saili

Since returning to New Zealand this well known Fijian player made his presence known, not only for his 2 tries but this big hit on Francis Saili knocking him off the pitch.

Caucau then showed his nicer side by making sure that Saili was okay. His nicer side can also be seen in this different video (Click here).

 

Vunisa scores on debut for Mont de Marsan

Mont de Marsan opened their ProD2 season with a win over La Rochelle on Sunday. Fijian rugby player Sionasa Vunisa scored a try to help Mont de Marsan beat La Rochelle in what was a closely fought game 31-28.

26 year old Vunisa joined Mont de Marsan, after 4 years with Narbonne - scoring 12 tries in his first season there.

Below is some highlights of Vunisa's first game for Mont de Marsan.