The Fijian rugby team will wear a jersey supporting Covid-19 vaccinations at their next game against the All Blacks in Hamilton on Saturday.
Fiji Rugby chief executive John O’Connor told Stuff the Flying Fijians would take to the field wearing kit bearing the words ‘Vaccinate Fiji’.
Fiji’s Kiwi coach Vern Cotter said players weren’t properly consulted about the jerseys, which were revealed days before the test.
“As you can imagine, it’s a delicate subject for some, so it was probably better to just have a clean jersey at this stage, and spend some time on how we best want to communicate on this matter and how comfortable the players are in communicating it,” he said post-match.
“As you can imagine, it’s a delicate subject for some, so it was probably better to just have a clean jersey at this stage, and spend some time on how we best want to communicate on this matter and how comfortable the players are in communicating it,” he said post-match.
The squad has decided to include an additional message on the jersey: “It’s your choice”, he said.
“The issue is now settled, and we wish the Flying Fijians the very best in the second test against the All Blacks this Saturday.”
O’Connor added the organisation was “delighted” by the team’s “gallant performance” last weekend.
Auckland-based Dr Api Talemaitoga, a member of New Zealand’s Fijian community, said anti-vaccination sentiment is rife in Fiji, and within Fijian communities in New Zealand.
