The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s trip to Napier, New Zealand has left fans and players alike questioning the fairness of their treatment as they prepare for a crucial Super Rugby match.
After a grueling, long-haul flight, the team landed in Auckland only to be met with an unforeseen setback, no bus awaiting them. Instead of a smooth transition to their accommodation, the players were forced to pile into the back of a truck, waiting hours for the bus to arrive.
But the challenges didn’t end there. Despite their exhaustion, the Drua were denied a late checkout from their hotel, leaving them with no choice but to either wander aimlessly or sleep in the lobby.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes squad enjoyed the comfort of their rooms, resting right up until game time.
The sequence of unfortunate events left many feeling that the Drua were already at a disadvantage before they even stepped onto the field.
Former Flying Fijians winger Nemani Nadolo shared, “They lost that game in the last 10 minutes, but truth be told, they lost it the moment they landed in Auckland.”
“This is in stark contrast to the treatment Super Rugby franchises receive when visiting Fiji, where visiting teams are treated to top-tier hospitality and police escorts. If the tables were turned, would any Australian or New Zealand team ever experience this kind of treatment?” Nadolo stated in a social media post.
