Etu Tusitala, the former strength and conditioning coach for the Fiji national sevens team, is grappling with financial difficulties due to the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) not paying his outstanding wages, which amount to $277,000.
Tusitala, who had entered a three-year contract in March 2022 under then-CEO John O’Connor, was issued a work permit by the Immigration Department that is valid until March 2025. However, his contract was unexpectedly terminated, leaving him with a significant unpaid balance.
“I met with FRU CEO Rovereto Nayacalevu last week, and he assured me that he would look into the situation, but to date, there has been no communication or payment from the union,” Tusitala stated.
Inquiries directed to the FRU regarding the unpaid wages have gone unanswered, further frustrating Tusitala and others in the rugby community who are seeking clarity on the issue.