The Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, has addressed concerns regarding bonus payments for the 43 members of the Flying Fijian rugby team following their performance at the 2023 World Cup. In a statement made in Parliament yesterday, Saukuru assured that the bonus was “not only promised but paid.”
His comments were in response to allegations made by former players Levani Botia, Semi Radradra, and Waisea Nayacalevu during a live interview on social media regarding unpaid contracts and unfulfilled commitments to coaches and officials.
Following these claims, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that the government had fulfilled its obligations by ensuring the Fiji Water Flying Fijians team was compensated. This was particularly urgent, as the players had threatened to boycott a training session ahead of their quarter-final match against England. Rabuka indicated that an agreement was established with the players through the Prime Minister’s office to expedite their bonus payments.
Saukuru elaborated that although the players were promised a quarter-final bonus which was to be paid immediately after the match, the government’s internal processes necessitated that the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) seek an overdraft facility for prompt disbursement. Subsequently, the government reimbursed FRU after the team returned.
Furthermore, Saukuru emphasized that a boycott during such a critical match could have severe consequences, including the potential expulsion of Fiji players from World Rugby events. He noted that senior players were aware of these risks but still pursued their demands.
The Minister confirmed that all sign-on fees and daily allowances had also been settled, specifically mentioning the completion of the $30,000 sign-on fee and the $500 daily allowances. He acknowledged that some payments had been delayed due to necessary regulatory compliance, but reiterated that all Drua players had received their full salaries, recognizing their contribution as part of the national duty while playing for the Flying Fijians.