Fiji chairman resigns from World Rugby council following alleged homophobia

Fiji chairman resigns from World Rugby council following alleged homophobia

Fiji chairman Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean has stood down from the World Rugby council amid serious allegations regarding his conduct which could threaten Bill Beaumont's bid for re-election as chairman of the global governing body.

The Fijian union seconded the nomination of Bill Beaumont to stand for re-election as World Rugby chairman, and now Kean has come under pressure after the Sunday Times published quotes of the Fiji chairman using homophobic language.

In an article published at the weekend, the British newspaper said it has heard "graphic recordings” of Kean using violent and homophobic language when he was in charge of Fiji’s prison service.

A World Rugby statement read:  “World Rugby notes the Fiji Rugby Union’s decision to stand down Fiji Rugby Union Chairman Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean from the World Rugby Council, and therefore withdrawing his candidature for the World Rugby Executive Committee, following new allegations published in the UK Sunday Times.

“World Rugby takes all allegations of behaviour that is not in keeping with the sport’s strong and inclusive values and Bye-Laws extremely seriously.


 

“While it is important to stress that any allegations must be validated, following dialogue with World Rugby, the Fiji Rugby Union recognises the seriousness of the allegations made and the need for them to be fully investigated, and that it is in the best interests of the sport that “Mr Kean steps down from the Council and his Executive Committee candidature be withdrawn.


 

 

“The Fiji Rugby Union have confirmed that their seat on the World Rugby Council will be filled by union CEO John O’Connor.

 

 

“There are now seven nominations for seven seats on the World Rugby Executive Committee, which will be confirmed at the 2020 Annual Meeting of the World Rugby Council, held by teleconference on 12 May.”

 

In an open letter to the governing body, PRPW director and former Samoa international Dan Leo asked why World Rugby has "some of the most elaborate and exhaustive eligibility checks for those who play the game but apparently no checks for someone wanting to run the game.”

"It is extraordinary to anyone involved in the game in the Pacific that Kean is even on the ballot,” Leo wrote.



Former Argentina international Agustin Pichot also announced he would run against Beaumont for the top position last week.

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