Former Flying Fijians winger Nemani Nadolo has voiced his outrage on social media regarding the treatment of the Fijian Drua upon their arrival in New Zealand for a Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes. Describing the situation as frustrating, Nadolo highlighted that the team arrived at Auckland’s airport only to find no transportation available, forcing them to travel in the back of a truck designed for luggage to reach their hotel.
Nadolo expressed his discontent, stating, “How is this even happening? Instead of waiting another three hours for the bus to arrive, the boys jumped in the back of a truck.” His post further criticized the denial of a late checkout for the Drua, while the Hurricanes received comfortable accommodations, illustrating a stark contrast in hospitality.
This incident has garnered significant attention, prompting comparisons to the treatment Super Rugby teams receive when they visit Fiji, where they are often welcomed with police escorts and high-quality hospitality. Nadolo noted, “Can you imagine an Australian or New Zealand team ever being put through something like this?”
The emotional aftermath of these logistical issues was reflected in the Drua’s narrow loss to the Hurricanes, where they fell short 38-34. Fijian Drua captain Frank Lomani echoed Nadolo’s frustrations and acknowledged the critical mistakes made during the match, attributing some of the team’s struggles to their travel mishaps. Despite this, his comments were optimistic as he praised the squad’s young talents and resilience.
Head coach Glen Jackson also acknowledged the challenges faced during the trip, but he emphasized his pride in the team’s determination and spirit in overcoming such adversities. As the Drua prepare for their next match against the Chiefs, there is a collective hope that the difficulties encountered will empower them to improve and strengthen their performance in the season.
The recent experiences of the Drua have sparked broader discussions about the treatment of visiting teams in the Super Rugby framework, raising important questions about fairness and equity in the sport. As they move forward, the team aims to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth, showcasing the enduring spirit of Fijian rugby characterized by resilience and strength.
Leave a comment