IRB 'concerned' over Fijian stand-off

The International Rugby Board has formally acknowledged that it has "concerns" over the ongoing stand-off between the Fijian Rugby Union and the country's military government.

However, the IRB stopped short of threatening to expel Fiji, preventing its participation at this year's World Cup, because the nation's military regime has attempted to depose the entire Fiji Rugby Union.

In a statement the IRB confirmed that they will meet with Fijian officials next month to discuss the situation.

"The IRB does have concerns that the current situation could create instability and have a negative impact on the management of the Union and key IRB funded Development and High Performance programmes and also Rugby World Cup 2011 preparations," the IRB statement said.

"These concerns have been communicated to the [Fiji Rugby] Union, who have fully assisted with our ongoing enquiries.

"With IRB Chief Executive Mike Miller in New Zealand in early February for World Cup meetings, there is a good opportunity to visit senior union representatives and undertake a fact finding mission.

"Miller will be accompanied by IRB Regional General Manager for Oceania William Glenwright, who oversees the implementation of the IRB funded programmes in the Pacific Islands."

The IRB said it would be inappropriate to comment on the validity of any media assumptions regarding the union’s management or governance until the visit has been completed and a full assessment undertaken.

This follows recent events in which the government of Fijian military leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama threatened to withhold F$3 million (US$1.6 million) in funding for its World Cup bid unless the board and executive members of the FRU resigned over alleged mismanagement of a fundraising lottery.

Reports suggested that the IRB warned Fiji that any contravention of the union's constitution could result in its expulsion from the world body and its exclusion from international rugby.

The FRU at the weekend declined to accept the resignation of its Chief Executive Keni Dakuidreketi, suggesting it had been emboldened by the IRB ultimatum.

Board members had previously offered to resign en-masse ahead of the union's scheduled April annual meeting which has the power to elect and dismiss official.