RUGBY Sevens World Cup winner Viliame Satala supported his former 7s captain and 7s icon Waisale Serevi that players welfare should be paramount at all times.
Nicknamed “the Stretcher” because of his ability to flatten opposing players with bone crunching tackles, Satala said players’ welfare should be paramount at all times.
Satala said he was disappointed with the late bonus payment and false promises being made to members of the Vodafone national 7s team.
And responding to the recent bonus saga and war of words between FRU, Vodafone and Digicel, the former Flying Fijians said he felt for the players.
“It is sad to see that the same players who have made the country proud in the 7s scene are being used as scapegoats,” said Satala.
“What these organisations must remember that because of the players we have FRU and because of the players we have sponsors.
“FRU and Vodafone should be thankful that organisations such as Digicel have stepped forward to assist the boys.
“I reckon the money given to the boys is just a gift and it will not affect the sponsorship deal.
“In other words —— its just like you have a contract and somebody just came and gave you $50 as gift.
“I think Digicel has also made it clear that the money given doesn’t have to do with the sponsorship agreement.
“So the money given by Digicel is a gift to the players.”
Meanwhile, Times Sports has been reliably informed that the money was given to the players and not through the Rugby House.
This, after FRU has stated the Rugby House was not aware of the payment.
FRU CEO Radrodro Tabualevu said on Wednesday “As the CEO I am not aware of such a payment neither have received any payment.
“We understand that this might be a ploy by Digicel to bring disrepute to FRU and its players and how it has been managers it business.”
Tabualevu further stated neither the Fiji Rugby Union nor any of its players would accept any payment from Digicel as it completely disrespects the relationship held between and the current sponsors.
Digicel CEO Darren McLean also cleared the air that the payment has been made with no intention to affect the sponsorship between FRU and Vodafone.
Satala said players had moved to greener pastures to benefit their future.
“The least FRU should do is to have a clause in their sponsorship agreement to allow players receive gifts from other organisations and individuals since FRU cannot compete against overseas rugby offers.
“Again players’ welfare should be paramount rather than organisation using the players for their own mileage.”
Questions sent by email to FRU CEO Radrodro Tabualevu, board chairman Filimoni Waqabaca and board member Baljeet Singh remained unanswered.
Call made to the FRU office stated Tabualevu would return with the Flying Fijians after their game against USA tomorrow.
