Politics pull Fiji out
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:47
Fiji were to have played in the Auckland Sevens but the Fiji Rugby Union has pulled the side out because of sanctions imposed by the New Zealand government on Fiji.
The sanctions resulted from a military coup in Fiji in December 2006 and the sanctions include sporting sanctions.
The statement by the Fiji Rugby Union reads as follows:
An invitation from the Fijian Methodist Church in Auckland, New Zealand, was extended to coach Waisele Serevi and his men to partake in their annual 7s competition as part of their fundraising drive to build a new church at Mays Road in Onehunga.
A team of 14 including Serevi and manager Jope Tuivanuavou were scheduled to leave Friday 17 October, with the competition scheduled for Saturday 18 October in Auckland.
However political sanctions on Fiji by the New Zealand government that was also extended to sporting teams have forced the FRU and the Digicel Fiji Warriors team management to forfeit the tournament.
FRU chief executive officer Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua said the decision was unfortunate but something that was inevitable.
“This was to be another opportunity to test out the new players in the Digicel Fiji 7s squad,” Tavanavanua said, “so it was unfortunate that it came to this. But it is something that we cannot control.”
The cancellation spells a huge blow to the team’s preparation ahead of the upcoming Dubai and George 7s tournaments as well as the World Cup 7s in Dubai next March. However, Tavanavanua said the FRU would continue to offer its support towards the team management to ensure preparation was covered adequately.
“In saying that, the FRU will continue to help the Digicel Fiji 7s team coaches and management in any way possible towards building the best team to the upcoming Dubai and George 7s tournaments.”
Despite the hiccup, coach Serevi remained optimistic about preparation plans and has not ruled out other options.
“It’s unfortunate but we have to respect the stand by the New Zealand government,” said Serevi. “But we are not the only ones affected. There are people who have been denied education and a chance to work in the country for the same reason.”
“First and foremost I would like to thank the players for marching into camp and doing their part despite the late notice. I would also like to thank the families of the players for allowing them to come in for the camp. And my apology as well for what has happened because we only found out about the cancellation this afternoon.”
He added the players’ have also been informed about the decision and have come to terms with it.
“In spite of this, the players seem to have taken the news well. We got to continue with our training this afternoon,” Serevi said. “In fact the players’ will stay on in camp and continue with the training until we break camp Friday.
“Our preparation will not stop here. We will certainly be looking at other options as they arise.”
Players in camp at the Peninsula Hotel, Suva:
Seremaia Burotu, Osea Kolinisau, Eneri Kuru, Etonia Naba, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Naisa Narukutabua, Sailosi Rabonaqica, William Rasileka, Iliesa Ratuva, Orisi Sareki, Asivorosi Tarakinikini, Emosi Vucago.
From Fiji Rugby Union
