Lote Tuqiri has expressed outrage over the treatment of the Fijian Drua during their recent trip to New Zealand for a Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes. The former Australian international criticized the “unacceptable” conditions faced by the team, highlighting a significant lack of hospitality from their hosts in Napier.
Upon arriving in New Zealand shortly before midnight, the Drua discovered that their pre-arranged transport had not been organized, forcing players and staff to squeeze into a luggage truck to reach their hotel. Tuqiri described the logistical failures surrounding the team’s travel as “ridiculous,” noting that, given the age of the Super Rugby competition, such oversights should be a thing of the past. “You’d think the organisers would have it sorted,” he stated.
Moreover, after finally arriving at their hotel, the Drua were informed that they would not be granted a late checkout, unlike the Hurricanes. This left them in a precarious situation just hours before the match, wandering the lobby or waiting outside, which Tuqiri found shocking, especially for a professional sports team.
The challenging circumstances contributed to a narrow defeat for the Drua, who lost 38-34 after leading at different points during the game. Coach Glen Jackson lamented the various hurdles encountered, stating, “There were plenty of things that went against us.”
However, amidst these challenges, there is hope for the Drua. Their captain, Frank Lomani, emphasized the team’s resilience, stating they could learn valuable lessons from their experiences and are optimistic about future performance. Fans are encouraged by the young talent emerging within the squad, indicating that the team has the potential to build on these tough encounters and come back stronger.
As the Drua prepare for their next match against the Chiefs, the emphasis will be on adapting to the setbacks faced and leveraging them for growth. The spirit of rugby in Fiji — marked by determination and resilience — propels them toward their upcoming challenges, fostering hope for better outcomes as the season unfolds.
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