Lote Tuqiri has voiced his strong discontent regarding the treatment of the Fijian Drua during their recent journey to New Zealand for a Super Rugby fixture against the Hurricanes. The former Australian international slammed the “unacceptable” conditions the team encountered, particularly criticizing the hosts in Napier for their lack of hospitality.
Upon their late-night arrival in New Zealand, the Drua found that their pre-arranged transport was nonexistent, resulting in players and staff having to cram into a luggage truck to get to their hotel. Tuqiri labeled this logistical failure as “ridiculous,” underlining that such oversight should not occur in a well-established competition like Super Rugby. “You’d think the organisers would have it sorted,” he remarked.
After finally reaching their hotel, the team was informed they would not be allowed a late checkout—a privilege granted to the Hurricanes—putting them in a difficult position just hours prior to the match. As players wandered the lobby or waited outside, Tuqiri was taken aback by the treatment a professional sports team received.
These adversities contributed to a narrow 38-34 loss for the Drua, who had led at various points during the match. Coach Glen Jackson expressed his disappointment over the multiple hurdles, stating, “There were plenty of things that went against us.”
Despite these challenges, there’s optimism on the horizon for the Drua. Captain Frank Lomani highlighted the team’s resilience, asserting that they can extract valuable lessons from their experiences and remain hopeful about future performances. Fans are also invigorated by the emergence of young talent within the squad, reinforcing the belief that the team can bounce back following tough encounters.
As the Drua gear up for their next match against the Chiefs, the focus will shift to transforming the setbacks into growth opportunities. With the spirit of rugby in Fiji—marked by unwavering determination and resilience—the Drua are set to tackle the challenges ahead, fostering hope for improved outcomes as the season progresses.
Leave a comment