The High Court in Suva has dismissed a request by the Nasinu Rugby Football Union (NRFU) to halt the upcoming semi-final matches of the 2025 Vodafone Vanua Cup. The ruling, made by Justice Thusara Rajasinghe on October 7, 2025, concluded that the NRFU did not present adequate evidence to warrant an interim injunction against the Fiji Rugby Football Union (FRU) and the Fiji Rakavi Football Union Ltd.
The case arose after the NRFU filed an ex parte application aimed at stopping the competition following a complaint regarding player eligibility that was ultimately dismissed. The NRFU alleged that two players from the Rewa Rugby Union participated without the necessary documentation, thereby violating tournament rules, and contended that a previous verbal ruling had been unfairly overturned by the FRU.
However, the court determined that there was no official ruling favoring the NRFU and noted that they had neglected to pursue the established appeal processes outlined in the tournament’s Terms of Participation. Justice Rajasinghe emphasized the lack of supporting evidence for the NRFU’s claims, stating, “The plaintiff has no evidence before the court to support its claim that the Acting CEO made a verbal decision in its favour.” He also highlighted the potential inconvenience for the defendants and other teams if the semi-finals were delayed at this point.
The court concluded that if the NRFU ultimately prevails in its broader claim, financial damages would likely suffice as compensation, leading to the dismissal of their injunction request.
This ruling reflects the ongoing complexities faced by sports organizations in managing eligibility and governance issues, bringing to light the importance of adhering to established guidelines. The resolution of this case can lead to enhanced clarity and fairness within the tournament structure, ultimately fostering a more organized sporting environment in Fiji. Events like these underscore the critical role of the judiciary in adjudicating disputes in sports, helping ensure that competitions can proceed smoothly while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.
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