THE Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has defended the match officials involved in the controversial Vodafone Deans Under-18 elimination clash between Queen Victoria School (QVS) and Ba Provincial Freebird Institute at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka last Saturday.
The match between the two rugby powerhouses sparked widespread debate after video footage circulated on social media appeared to show a successful QVS conversion that was not awarded by the assistant referee, a decision many believe had a significant impact on the result of the game.
Speaking to Times Sport, FRU acting chief operating officer Talemo Waqa said the union’s position is guided by World Rugby laws.
FRU insisted that under World Rugby regulations, on-field decisions cannot be overturned.
“The official opinion is similar to World Rugby. All field decisions of the referee, the TMO and the assistant referees always stand. We cannot overrule them from an administration side or from outside of that,” Waqa said.
He explained that the FRU cannot rely on videos recorded by spectators or parents when reviewing matches.
“These are viral videos taken by parents or spectators, so we really cannot use those kinds of videos whenever we are reviewing. Even if we review television footage afterwards, we still cannot change the on-field decision.”
2026 Vodafone Super Deans Trophy Under-18 fixtures:
Garvey Park, Tavua:
Ra High School v Ratu Kadavulevu School at 1.40pm; and
Cuvu College v Nasinu Secondary School at 3.05pm.
HFC Bank Stadium, Suva:
Lelean Memorial School v Ratu Navula College at 4.30pm; and
Suva Grammar School v Ba Provincial Freebird Institute at 5.55pm.
