The Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has directed the Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union (FSSRU) to reinstate the Bucalevu Secondary School Under-17 team in the Vodafone Deans national quarter-finals scheduled for this weekend.
Bucalevu Secondary School faced disqualification after Nabua Secondary School filed an official complaint within 48 hours of losing to Bucalevu in their playoff match at Subrail Park, Labasa, on July 27. Bucalevu secured a narrow victory over Nabua, winning 21-20 to qualify for the quarter-finals.
The FSSRU disqualified Bucalevu due to allegations that a player who had participated in their U16 team also played in the U17 match. As this situation unfolded, Nabua is set to play Ratu Kadavulevu School at 11 am this Saturday.
Defending U17 champions Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School will not compete this year as they failed to secure advancement. According to FSSRU’s Terms of Participation, players cannot represent two different teams from the same school in the Vodafone FSSRU Super Deans Championship within a single season.
FSSRU officials are tasked with verifying players’ records before matches to avoid discrepancies. Player information, including passport photos for verification, is submitted at the beginning of the season.
Minister Radrodro affirmed his instructions, stating that Bucalevu won their match fairly and deserves to continue in the competition. He noted, “I confirm the directive, stating that Bucalevu won their game fairly and deserves to participate in the competition.” He has asked the Permanent Secretary to communicate this decision to FSSRU executives.
When reached for comment, FSSRU president Jone Kanalagi mentioned that he was in a meeting with the Permanent Secretary and would respond later. However, subsequent attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. The Permanent Secretary, Selina Kuruleca, declined to comment when approached.