Fijian Drua’s Bold Move: Revamping Support Systems Amid Rising Concerns

The Fijian Drua is implementing significant changes to enhance its internal support systems for players and staff, especially in light of recent incidents involving domestic violence. Chief Executive Mark Evans emphasizes the club’s dual responsibility as a professional sports entity and a vital part of the Fijian community. He acknowledges the urgent need for both immediate responses and long-term preventative measures to effectively address such issues.

In Evans’s remarks, he affirms the necessity of a robust support system that assists players throughout their journey, starting from their entry into the academy to their retirement from professional play. He says efforts are underway to develop a comprehensive program that will address mental health and behavioral support, recognizing that existing measures, while helpful, are inadequate.

This initiative comes on the heels of concrete events that have prompted widespread concern, including allegations involving players Iosefo Masi and Peni Matawalu. Both are currently facing serious allegations related to domestic violence, which have resonated throughout the rugby community and brought about calls for accountability and reform.

Previous articles have highlighted the Fijian Drua’s commitment to fostering an environment of respect and safety amid these challenges, with ongoing dialogue surrounding domestic violence in sports. Notably, Shamima Ali from the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has called for mandatory gender sensitization training for rugby personnel to pave the way for cultural change within the sport.

While accountability in sports remains a pressing concern, there is hope that the acknowledgment of these issues and the subsequent actions taken will lead to positive change, not just within the Drua but across the Fijian sports community. With their next match against the Queensland Reds on the horizon, the Drua aims to channel their collective challenges into motivation, highlighting the strength of unity and resilience that is emblematic of Fijian rugby culture.