All participating schools received a clear set of rules and regulations before the season began, according to Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union vice-president Savenaca Muamua. Muamua emphasized that the terms of participation were clearly communicated to all schools and have been stable for the past decade, with no changes. These rules align with the laws of the Fiji Rugby Union and World Rugby, leaving no excuse for any breaches.
Muamua’s comments come after the disqualification of the Bucalevu Secondary School under-17 team for including an unregistered player, a decision that has generated significant controversy and debate. He compared this situation to a player from Suva playing for the Lautoka team, illustrating how it would also violate regulations.
Muamua stressed that this incident underscores the importance of proper registration and adherence to competition guidelines. He mentioned that Bucalevu Secondary School had not paid the fee necessary to appeal the decision, indicating their acceptance of the ruling. Consequently, Nabua Secondary School has taken Bucalevu’s place in the U17 Deans national quarter-finals.