Laijipa Naulivou, who was recently appointed as the director of the Fiji Rugby Union, was dismissed just days into her role. This decision followed her controversial remarks about the women’s national rugby team, claiming they had a “gay problem.”

Discriminatory Remarks Lead to Dismissal

Naulivou's comments, made during an interview, quickly drew criticism. She suggested that the coach be removed and that a panel should select players instead of a “person who practices lesbianism.” Furthermore, she argued that homosexuality was a “big drawback” during the team’s participation in a tournament. As a result, her remarks sparked significant backlash.

Women’s Rights Group Speaks Out

In response to Naulivou’s statements, the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement expressed their concern. Executive Director Nalini Singh called the comments “deeply troubling” and harmful to both the players and society. Additionally, Singh emphasized that the focus should be on providing resources and support for female players, rather than discussing their sexuality.

Poor Treatment of Women’s Team

Moreover, the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement highlighted the mistreatment of the women's team, specifically an incident in 2023 when the team had to sleep on benches outside Sydney Airport, while the men’s team stayed in a hotel. Authorities later attributed the incident to a "miscommunication," but the public outcry over the disparity was undeniable.

Naulivou’s Role in Rugby

Naulivou, a prominent figure in Fiji rugby, was well-known for being the first captain of the women’s national team. She had been appointed as director after her predecessor resigned due to personal reasons. However, due to the ongoing controversy, she tendered her resignation, which was accepted by the Fiji Rugby Union.

Fiji Rugby Union Assures Players

In light of the situation, the Fiji Rugby Union reassured players that Naulivou's dismissal would not affect their opportunities or continued development. The Union emphasized its commitment to maintaining professional standards and ensuring the integrity of Fiji Rugby moving forward.