Fiji Rugby Union's director of rugby, Laijipa Naulivou, was fired for comments about a 'gay problem' within the women's team, blaming their poor performance on same-sex relationships. The Fiji Rugby Union vehemently condemned her views and emphasized their commitment to inclusivity and support for all players.
Laijipa Naulivou, the Fiji Rugby Union's newly appointed director of rugby, was swiftly dismissed just four days into her tenure after making controversial remarks about the women's team. Naulivou attributed the team's poor performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they were eliminated in the group stage and finished last among 12 nations, to a 'gay problem' within the squad.
She claimed that lesbian relationships were a major obstacle for the team's success and alleged that 'this gay problem' hindered player retention across other European rugby nations. Naulivou's appointment last Saturday was followed by a statement where she expressed her desire for the women's head coach to be replaced and a selection panel to be established instead of an individual who 'practices lesbianism' making choices. She deemed this practice unethical and inappropriate. These comments sparked immediate outrage and criticism. The FRU, the governing body for rugby in Fiji, swiftly terminated Naulivou's contract, emphasizing their commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all players.The FRU issued a statement condemning Naulivou's views and asserting that they categorically reject all forms of discrimination. They assured the women's rugby team and all players that their opportunities, representation, and development would remain unaffected. Nalini Singh, the executive director of the Fiji Rugby Union, condemned Naulivou's remarks as deeply troubling and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. She pointed out the disparity in treatment between the men's and women's teams, citing reports that the women's team was forced to sleep on benches outside Sydney Airport during their journey to the Dubai Sevens tournament in 2023, while the men's team stayed in a nearby hotel. Singh urged the FRU to prioritize the well-being and adequate funding of the women's team instead of focusing on their sexuality. Naulivou, a prominent figure in Fijian rugby, was the first captain of the women's national team and a vocal advocate for gender inclusion in the sport. However, her recent comments have severely damaged her reputation and resulted in her removal from her position.
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