Ridiculous is how Fiji-born former Wallabies player Lote Tuqiri has described the treatment received by the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, following revelations of the ordeal they went through in Napier, New Zealand when they flew over to face the Hurricanes in round two of Super Rugby Pacific recently.
Tuqiri relayed his thoughts in an interview with AFP, lamenting the episode’s occurrence should have never been the case.
“You’d think the organisers would have it sorted, given how old the competition is. It’s not like a new competition,” he expressed.
“It was probably not meant but, I mean, it’s actually unacceptable.”
When the Drua played the Hurricanes a fortnight ago, the treatment they endured was not public knowledge until former Flying Fijian player Nemani Nadolo took to social media with the issue, along with an image of the Drua players huddled in a truck initially meant to transport their luggage from the airport to their hotel.
The Drua players travelled to the hotel in it since their designated transport was nowhere to be seen after they landed.
Tuqiri stressed why such treatment should have been the case, emphasising the importance of a competition at highly professional level.
“To be fair, I’m actually a little bit surprised at the New Zealander’s lack of hospitality,” he stated.
“You can’t expect a team to be treated that way.”
“They’re a professional outfit and they should be treated accordingly.”
The Hurricanes match was the Drua’s first away game, and they returned home with a unsettling 34-38 loss, while many were oblivious to what they endured before and after the game – until now.
Meanwhile, the Drua face the Chiefs at 3.35pm tomorrow at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
