The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, has directed the Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union (FSSRU) to allow the Bucalevu Secondary School Under-17 team to compete in the Vodafone Deans national quarter-finals this weekend. Bucalevu, located in Taveuni, had been disqualified following a complaint from Nabua Secondary School after Bucalevu defeated them 21-20 in their playoff match at Subrail Park, Labasa, on July 27.
FSSRU disqualified Bucalevu this week due to allegations that a player who participated in their Under-16 team also played in the Under-17 match. As a result, Nabua Secondary School is set to compete against Ratu Kadavulevu School at 11 a.m. this Saturday.
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School, the defending U17 champion, has been eliminated from the competition as they did not secure a place this year. According to the FSSRU’s Terms of Participation, a player is not permitted to represent two different teams from the same school in the FSSRU Super Deans Championship during a single season.
While team managers fill out the players’ lists, it is the responsibility of FSSRU officials to verify student information before the matches to identify any discrepancies. All players’ details, along with their passport photos, are submitted at the beginning of the season for verification.
Minister Radrodro emphasized that Bucalevu earned their victory fairly and should be allowed to continue in the tournament. He stated on social media, “I confirm the directive, stating that Bucalevu won their game fairly and deserves to participate in the competition.” He instructed the Permanent Secretary to ensure that FSSRU recognizes the results of the match.
When contacted for comment, FSSRU president Jone Kanalagi stated he was in a meeting with the Permanent Secretary and would provide an update later. However, when reached again shortly afterwards, his phone was redirected. The Permanent Secretary, Selina Kuruleca, declined to make any comments when approached.