The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) has called for the immediate removal of Iosefo Masi from any rugby-related duties following allegations of domestic violence. The FWCC expressed deep disappointment in the Fiji Rugby Union for what it sees as a lack of commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. Masi, who has been charged with assaulting a 21-year-old woman, appeared at the Nadi Magistrates Court on April 19; his legal case is ongoing, with a next court date set for May 25.
In a statement, the FWCC emphasized that if Fiji Rugby truly champions gender equality and seeks to prevent violence against women, it must act decisively regarding Masi’s status. The Centre believes Masi should be suspended from national duties until a legal resolution is reached. This stance arises from a recent re-establishment of relations with Fiji Rugby, which the FWCC hoped would mark a shift towards a more proactive approach to gender issues.
The situation is compounded by the FWCC’s concerns about the broader implications for the future of women in rugby, asserting that allowing Masi to continue in his role sends a troubling message that violence could be overlooked if committed by someone perceived as a sports hero. Their call to action aligns with ongoing discussions about the need for gender sensitization training within rugby to actively combat domestic violence and promote respect and accountability among players.
This latest incident is not isolated but rather part of a concerning trend regarding domestic violence in professional sports, highlighted further by similar allegations against Masi’s teammate Peni Matawalu. Both players’ cases have triggered dialogues about the responsibilities of sports organizations to uphold a culture of respect and the necessity for comprehensive training programs focused on gender sensitivity and violence prevention.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, there remains hope that this alarming situation can catalyze meaningful reforms in rugby, fostering a safer, more respectful environment for athletes and promoting a culture that unequivocally disallows violence against women.
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