Protest undergoing process, says FRU boss
Nadroga’s protest against Suva for allegedly fielding unregistered players is now undergoing the required process. This was confirmed yesterday by Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor. “We’re currently working on the protest filed by Nadroga and the process will take its due time,” he said.
“Once the final decision is made then we will notify both teams first before we send an official press release to the media.” Nadroga Rugby president Tiko Matawalu said their protest is on Suva players whose jersey numbers are 15 (Meli Kurisaru), 10 (Kini Douglas) and 6 (Isake Katonibau). Last night, the Suva rugby side continued on with their training as they prepare to defend the HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge against Namosi this weekend.
Suva Rugby officials indicated to SUNsports that they’re not going to be held back by the protest and are continuing with their preparations.
Head coach Saiasi Fuli said he would name his final 23-member squad after receiving an injury assessment report.
“There might be a couple of changes in the side which will depend on the injury assessment,” the former national rugby halfback said.
“We’ll select a good team to contain our challengers Namosi who is also a good team. They played the Skipper Cup final and they’ve prepared well and it will be on us to select our best possible players to take the field.
“So far so good and this is the second day of preparations and about 60 percent of the players have rested because they took part in a fitness test earlier in the day.” Fuli said they are also working on their game and what they can deliver best against Namosi. “We’re aware that Namosi have defeated us in the round robin competition of the Skipper Cup competition. They are a champion side and we’ll have to work hard in the next few days.” Meanwhile, the players in the Australia National Rugby Championship had their fitness test yesterday morning under head coach, Senirusi Seruvakula. The no-nonsense coach said the players would march into camp next week to start their preparations.