Fiji Rugby House Suva Photo: Alex Perrottet/RNZ
Fiji Rugby's newest director says she is against women in same-sex relationships representing the national team, comments that have been condemned by the women's rights movement in the country.
Laijipa Naulivou was appointed to the role on Saturday after businessman Conway Begg withdrew due to personal commitments.
Naulivou, the first woman to captain the Fijian women's rugby team, told the Fiji Sun that sexual attraction between women is something she opposed during her playing days.
She told the newspaper that Fijian women rugby players have their rights, but if being in a same-sex relationship "is affecting the team, then it should be taken out".
"Those who played with me know that I do not condone being gay for women in rugby," she was quoted as saying by the Fiji Sun.
"I know I'm very unpopular in that area with those who practice it.
"I will keep emphasising it because that was one big drawback when we went to the first HSBC sevens tournament."
Laijipa Naulivou Photo: University of the South Pacific
Naulivou told the newspaper that she was asked to join the nation women's team as manager three weeks prior to a World Rugby HSBC SVNS tournament.
"This was one area that we had to fight against, so when I came back, I wrote my report and that was my recommendation that we take away the coach and those involved," she said.
"We do a fresh fair trial and a panel to pick the team.
"This was better instead of a person who practices lesbianism being up there and choosing her people. To me that is unethical and it's not right."
According to the report, allegations of same-sex relations were blamed for a rift in the Fiji's women's sevens team during last year's Paris Olympic Games, which contributed to their poor performance.
The new Fiji Rugby board member also said women players in sam-sex relationships is not just a problem for rugby in Fiji.
She added that retaining players "and this gay problem were the two main problems" European rugby countries had in their report" and Fiji is no exception in that area too."
'Deeply troubling' comments
The Fiji Women's Rights Movement (FWRM) has condemned Naulivou's comments.
FWRM's executive director Nalini Singh said sexual orientation should never be a barrier to participation, leadership, or success in any sporting field, including rugby.
"The notion that being gay is a 'problem' in women's rugby is deeply troubling and perpetuates harmful stereotypes that have no place in modern sports or society," she said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Rather than focusing your efforts on the sexuality of the players, you do your job and look for adequate funding and provide for the well-being of the women rugby players so that they don't have to sleep on benches in front of airports and walk miles to their training," she added.
'She's of great standing' - FRU
Naulivou said being appointed to the union's board was an opportunity for her to contribute to the sport.
"Rugby is a male-dominated sport but now women are part of it and I'm glad as I was very instrumental in having women's rugby in Fiji."
Naulivou said the biggest drawback for a lot of players is their attitude.
She said the Fijiana sevens team can improve if there is "a proper selection panel" and more competitive games.
FRU board chairman John Sanday, when announcing Naulivou's appointment on 1 February, said her work in rugby has been commendable.
"She's of great standing, and we respect that. She's also had involvement with hockey, so she's no stranger to sport and elite performance," he said at a news conference at Rugby House in Suva.
He said Naulivou would be a worthy member of the board.
"We respect her knowledge and her experience, and we look forward to her contribution and working together to build rugby and to build it to Tier One status."
