The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, has mandated that the Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union (FSSRU) reinstate the Bucalevu Secondary School Under-17 team for the upcoming Vodafone Deans national quarter-finals this weekend.
Bucalevu, a school based in Taveuni, was disqualified after Nabua Secondary School filed a formal complaint with the FSSRU, claiming an infringement within 48 hours of their playoff match, which Bucalevu won 21-20 on July 27 at Subrail Park in Labasa.
The 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, violating regulations concerning player eligibility. As a result of this ruling, Nabua is set to compete against Ratu Kadavulevu School on Saturday at 11am.
Defending champions Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School will not be participating this year after failing to secure a place in the competition. According to the FSSRU’s Terms of Participation, players are prohibited from representing different teams from the same school in the Vodafone FSSRU Super Deans Championship during the same season.
Radrodro affirmed that Bucalevu won their match legitimately and should be allowed to compete. “I confirm the directive, stating that Bucalevu won their game fairly and deserves to participate in the competition,” he stated on social media. He instructed the Permanent Secretary to communicate this decision to FSSRU executives, emphasizing that the gameplay outcome must be respected.
When approached for comments, FSSRU president Jone Kanalagi indicated he was in a meeting and would provide feedback later. Subsequent attempts to reach him were unsuccessful. Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca declined to make any comments when contacted later.