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The Fiji Rugby Union will soon assist current and former national representatives to study for free, aligning with Isake Katonibau’s call regarding the issue.

FRU chair, John Sanday, thanked former Fiji 7s and Flying Fijians representative, Katonibau, for raising the issue, saying he personally agrees with him.

Sanday says the FRU started a dialogue with two certified and licensed training institutions about two months ago regarding working together and sharing facilities to provide courses for life after rugby.

He says they’re still discussing the points and hopefully will be in a position to sign off and get the programs going.
The FRU chair goes on to say that as part of the deal for sharing facilities, courses will be made available to former and current Fiji representatives at no cost.

A suitable facility and campus has been firmed up, and the FRU is working through the details on that, hoping to make the official announcement in the not too distant future.

While Sanday admitted that the FRU may not be able to provide a full range of services, he emphasized that the union is committed to offering meaningful support to its players.

Drawing from personal experience, Sanday highlighted the importance of education in building a successful post-rugby life.

He says he personally funded his university education while playing rugby in Canberra, Australia earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Banking and Finance. He adds this qualification helped him establish a stable and sustainable future after retiring from the game.

Katonibau recently called on the FRU and government to take responsibility for helping former players pursue further education and secure their future beyond the sport.

Responding to the FRU chair, Katonibau says he and Sanday were fortunate to have better opportunities, including some support, education, and time to plan ahead.

Katonibau says Sanday played for Fiji for a short time, which allowed the FRU chair the space to focus on his education. However, others gave years of their life to the jersey, fully committed, with nothing set up for what came after.

The man known as ‘Mr Eyes’ also says that Sanday shouldn’t pretend his story applies to everyone, as this isn’t about personal achievement but about building a system for those who never had what they had.

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