Fiji Police Force paves the way,
The call by the Fiji Police Force to stop the participation of its rugby 7s teams in upcoming tournaments is a rude awakening for Fijians. It brings home the realisation that the action of a few unknowingly affects others.
The tall order has to be respected, but it will cause ripples and broken hearts within the force.
Sports have a stronghold in the Force. The Police sports teams are among the champions of Fijian sports. Police officers are among our national reps, former and current.
Now the champion Fiji Police 7s teams which has been competing in local tournaments namely the Marist, Nawaka, the Fiji Rugby Union National 7s series, and especially the Fiji Bitter 7s series which they had been champions for years, have been ordered to stop playing.
They will not play in the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s in Nadi in two weeks time.
This is because of criminal activities such as the recent hauls of dangerous drugs and rise in crime. Members of the Police sevens teams were told earlier this week to take off their rugby boots for their official working outfits to hunt down lawbreakers. Police rugby 7s players were simply told not to play and to continue work.
While we lament the opportunity for talented players to showcase their ability, on the other side of the coin, the decision makers within Police should be commended.
Taxpayers’ funds and resources will be utilised as they should. Not sidelined for ‘recreational’ purposes as we’ve seen in the past.
At least the men and women in blue are leading the way to show their commitment to their work and their mission - to ensure the safety and security of the people of Fiji and its visitors.