Three senior teams in the men’s division did not show up on the first day of the 16th Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s rugby competition in Taveuni.
The three teams are Red Prawn Rugby, Nakavu Rugby and Lavena.
Their absence has enabled reigning champ, Wardens Gold, last year’s Fiji Bitter Savusavu 7s winner BLK Lavidi Brothers and New Dawn Rugby to win by default.
Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s tournament director Iowane Gade said Red Prawn Rugby and Nakavu Rugby had paid for their registration fees of $850.
Gade said they won’t be refunding the registration fee for both teams.
“Red Prawn Rugby is a team from Naweni. Their fee was paid by a Fijian who now resides in cool water,” he said.
“I understand they could not come and play due to naming rights.
“Closing date for registration was last week Friday.
However, he said he did there was no reason from Nakavu as to why they are not taking part in the tournament despite the registration fee being paid.
“We haven’t heard from them,” he said.
Gade said Lakena could not take part in this year’s competition due to a death.
“Luckily they hadn’t paid,” he said.
“We send our condolences to the Rugby club.”
Meanwhile, in other results, Police Blue thrashed St Mary Somosomo 29-19 while Police White edged Veilomoni Brothers 19-12 in their first pool game.
The second round of the pool games kicks of at 8am tomorrow.
