The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, described the recent corruption claims made by overseas players against the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) as deeply disappointing. In an interview with SUNsports, Gavoka, who is also a former chairman of the FRU, emphasized the challenges faced by the board and staff at Rugby House.
Gavoka’s comments came in response to an interview given by former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu to the Daily Mail, where Nayacalevu mentioned a potential boycott of last year’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against England due to unpaid bonuses and allegations of corruption within the FRU. He received support from senior players including Semi Radradra, Levani Botia, Meli Derenalagi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, and Albert Tuisue, who called for the removal of the interim trustees and staff at the FRU.
“Everyone involved in rugby is a very honorable person,” Gavoka stated, highlighting that many in rugby administration volunteer their time without any financial compensation. He expressed sadness over the senior players’ claims that the administration and board were responsible for their issues.
“Rugby is an expensive sport, particularly in Fiji, where it is predominantly played by the iTaukei community, and we do not have adequate resources,” he acknowledged. Despite the constraints, Gavoka emphasized the desire to compete against strong teams like England and France, stressing that Fiji cannot match the financial backing those countries provide to their players.
Gavoka pointed out that financial issues have long plagued the FRU. He noted that the current leadership is composed of honorable individuals dedicated to rugby, many of whom have served without pay. “If we want to participate in international rugby, it will incur significant costs,” he explained, urging respect for current officials like Peter Mazey.
While acknowledging the need for sponsorship, he remarked that companies are hesitant to invest in a smaller market like Fiji. Gavoka pointed out that while Fiji Water and Fiji Airways have contributed, financial limitations remain a persistent challenge for rugby in the country.
He underscored the reality that many employees at the FRU often arrived for work on Fridays unsure if they would be paid. “As chairman, I could see the uncertainty on their faces, which was disheartening,” he added.