CONCERN'S have been raised with the long closure of the Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Unit gym in Lautoka.
The HPU gym closed before Christmas and is yet to open its doors.
Former island zone player from Matuku Joji Tuivaga said it was unwise to close the gymnasium during the off-season.
He said this was the time for players to build on their strength.
"Fiji Rugby Union needs to broaden up the base of our HPU all over the country," Tuivaga said.
"This is the foundation of all fitness training in the world. We cannot develop strength if the HPU gymnasium is closed during the time most of our players should be doing their off season program in preparation for the new session."
FRU national referee's director Patrick Gock was unaware of the closure of the HPU gym in the Sugar City.
Gock said FRU had closed its operations from December 21 to January 4. He said the Lautoka HPU gym should have been opened by now.
Meanwhile the Sigatoka HPU gymnasium opened its doors this Monday.
New Zealander Mike Ryan, who has been appointed as the new FRU HPU manager, is expected to start at the end of this month.