The cash-strapped Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) sacked coach Inoke Male on Monday in a money-saving move less than a month before it starts its defence of the Pacific Rugby Cup.

Male was one of five staff dismissed in a restructuring that follows a damning International Rugby Board (IRB) review which included the suspension of financial aid.

"Included in these terminations is the position of (the) national 15's coach which will be advertised locally and internationally," an FRU statement said, without naming who had been axed.

A disappointed Male, who was appointed head coach in January 2012, had no warning his job was in jeopardy.

"My termination is out of my power. That is something the FRU board has decided," he said.