Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka has expressed deep disappointment over the recent corruption allegations made against the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) by overseas-based players. Speaking with SUNsports, Gavoka, who is a former chairman of the FRU, highlighted the challenges faced by the board of directors and the staff at Rugby House.
His remarks came in response to an interview by former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu with the Daily Mail, where Nayacalevu spoke about the players’ contemplation of boycotting last year’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against England, citing unpaid bonuses and corruption issues within the FRU. Nayacalevu’s claims were supported by senior players such as Semi Radradra, Levani Botia, Meli Derenalagi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, and Albert Tuisue, who also called for the removal of interim trustees and staff at the FRU.
Gavoka stated, “Everyone involved in rugby is a very honourable person.” He pointed out that the majority of rugby administrators are volunteers who contribute their time and effort without financial compensation. He expressed sadness at the allegations suggesting that the administration and board are to blame for the issues at hand.
The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged that rugby is an expensive sport, particularly in Fiji where participation largely comes from the iTaukei community, and that resources are limited. Despite these challenges, he emphasized the desire to compete against top teams like England and France, while recognizing the disparity in resources compared to those nations.
Money remains a significant challenge for the FRU, according to Gavoka. He affirmed his belief in the integrity of those currently managing the union, noting that many have devoted considerable effort to rugby without financial gain. He stated, “If we want to play rugby internationally, it’s going to be very costly.”
Gavoka called for increased respect for individuals like Peter Mazey, who are involved in sponsorship efforts, noting the difficulties in attracting sponsorship in a small market like Fiji without a robust domestic market. He welcomed the involvement of Fiji Water and Fiji Airways but reiterated that financial constraints are a persistent issue in maintaining rugby at the desired level in Fiji.
He highlighted the harsh reality that staff at the FRU often come to work uncertain of their pay. “I was chairman, I looked at their faces, I used to feel bad,” Gavoka remarked, encapsulating the struggles faced by rugby administrators in Fiji.