Fiji Rugby Chief Dismissed Following Controversial Remarks on Women’s Team’s ‘Gay Issue’

Just four days after taking up her new position as Director of Rugby for Fiji Rugby Union, Laijipa Naulivou has been dismissed following controversial remarks suggesting the women’s team is grappling with a “gay problem”.

Naulivou was appointed to the prominent role last Saturday, but her tenure was quickly cut short after she claimed that “lesbianism” had created rifts among teammates, contributing to the team’s underwhelming performance during the previous year’s Paris Olympics.

Fiji faced an early exit in the group stage, finishing at the bottom after securing a bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

In an interview with the Fiji Sun, following the announcement of her appointment, Naulivou revealed that she had previously advocated for the dismissal of the women’s coach and the establishment of a selection panel for a new coach.

“Having a person who engages in lesbianism in a leadership position and choosing team members is, to me, unethical and inappropriate,” she stated in her interview.

Naulivou also asserted that same-sex relationships among players were a significant hurdle when the Fiji women’s team participated in a previous sevens tournament and noted that “this gay problem” was hindering player retention in various European nations.

By Wednesday, the Fiji Rugby Union announced her contract had been terminated effective immediately.

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“We want to reassure our women’s team and all athletes that this will not hinder their chances, representation, or ongoing development as vital members of Fiji Rugby,” stated the FRU.

“[The] Fiji Rugby Union is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for the entire Fiji Rugby Vuvale [family], irrespective of gender, background, or identity.”

Naulivou’s statements were met with backlash from the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, who expressed their dismay at her comments.

“The idea that being gay is a ‘problem’ in women’s rugby is concerning and reinforces damaging stereotypes that have no place in contemporary sports or society,” remarked Nalini Singh, the group’s Executive Director.

“Instead of focusing on the players’ sexuality, direct your efforts towards securing adequate funding and ensuring the welfare of our women rugby players, who shouldn’t have to endure sleeping on benches at airports or trek long distances to training,” she added.

Reports from local media in 2023 indicated that the women’s team spent a night on benches outside Sydney Airport whilst en route to the Dubai Sevens tournament, in stark contrast to the men’s team, who stayed in a nearby hotel.