Peceli Rinakama, president of the Naitasiri Rugby Union, has expressed his dissatisfaction at the ongoing saga between the Fiji Rugby Union and senior Flying Fijian players.
Rinakama expressed his sentiments on the allegations put forth by Flying Fijians skipper Waisea Nayacalevu and other players regarding unpaid contracts, unfulfilled promises, and the unpaid sums to coaches and officials, in an interview with The Fiji Times yesterday.
“I am really unhappy to hear and to learn that the Fiji players were not properly paid by the FRU,” he said.
Rinakama called on the Government to intervene in the ongoing saga between the Fiji Rugby Union and senior players of the Flying Fijians.
“For the betterment of rugby, its high time that the Prime Minister, the Minister for Sports, and the Government should be involved,” he said.
“Why? Because they play a crucial role in the operation of rugby in Fiji.”
He added that their intervention in the matter was necessary, noting rugby’s impact in elevating Fiji’s prominence globally.
“I’ve also requested the PM personally yes[1]terday (Wednesday), if he could come in and intervene in the affairs of the FRU because its a national sport which put Fiji on the world map.”
The Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had mentioned earlier this week that any allegations of misuse of funds involving rugby players ought to be raised at the FRU’s AGM and reported for investigation.
He added that the Government would not interfere in the matter, stating he respected the FRU’s decision to not have any government involvement in the sporting body. Rinakama noted that the current episode could deter potential players from vying for a spot in the national team in the future.
“Before we used to play rugby for entertainment, but not now.”
“It is a means of living for players overseas and likewise for players who are in the (local) clubs right now,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rinakama urged all rugby unions to work together in preparing for the FRU Annual General Meeting, which will be held in November.
