The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has issued a statement clarifying its decision not to permit former national 7s player Eminoni Nasilasila to take part in the upcoming final of the country’s premier domestic rugby competition.
The Union said it recognised the strong public interest in the matter and reaffirmed its support for the Yellow Ribbon Program, which promotes the rehabilitation and reintegration of former inmates through sport.
However, the FRU said Nasilasila’s inclusion in the final would have conflicted with its own regulations and duty of care to players.
“The decision to not permit the player’s participation was based on two primary factors — a breach of the tournament’s Terms of Participation and player welfare concerns,” the FRU said.
The Union explained that the player’s circumstances directly contravened the Tournament Terms of Participation (TOP), adding that it could not breach its own rules to accommodate one individual without compromising the integrity of the competition.
“Breaching our own TOP to fast-track a player into a final undermines the integrity of our competition and opens the door to legal challenges from other teams,” the FRU noted.
It also cited player welfare as a key factor in the decision, saying a return to a high-intensity final without sufficient contact and collision training could risk serious injury.
“Our duty of care to the player is non-negotiable. Throwing him into a final without the necessary preparation is not in his best interest or the interest of the game we love,” the statement said.
The FRU stressed that the decision should not be seen as a rejection of the player but as a necessary step to ensure a safe and structured return to the sport.
“We firmly believe in second chances and the power of rugby to heal and rebuild lives,” the Union said. “The FRU remains committed to supporting his rehabilitation journey and will facilitate his return to rugby in due course.”
