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 set for this weekend. Bucalevu was disqualified after Nabua Secondary School lodged an official complaint within 48 hours of their defeat to Bucalevu during a playoff match at Subrail Park, Labasa, on July 27.
Bucalevu Secondary School had narrowly defeated Nabua Secondary School 21-20, earning a place in the upcoming quarter-finals. However, the FSSRU disqualified Bucalevu following accusations that a player from their U16 team also participated in the U17 match.
Despite the disqualification, Nabua is scheduled to face Ratu Kadavulevu School at 11 a.m. this Saturday. Last year’s defending U17 champion, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School, failed to qualify for the tournament this year.
According to the FSSRU’s Terms of Participation, a player is not allowed to represent two teams from the same school within a single season during the Vodafone FSSRU Super Deans Championship. FSSRU officials are expected to verify player records before matches to avoid such discrepancies.
Minister Radrodro reaffirmed his order, emphasizing that Bucalevu won their match fairly and should be allowed to continue in the competition. “I confirm the directive, stating that Bucalevu won their game fairly and deserves to participate in the competition,” he mentioned on social media. He has instructed the Permanent Secretary to convey to FSSRU executives that the results of the match must be honored.
FSSRU president Jone Kanalagi, when reached for a comment, indicated he was in a meeting with the Permanent Secretary and would respond later. Subsequent attempts to contact him directly were unsuccessful. The Permanent Secretary, Selina Kuruleca, also declined to comment when approached for further information.