FRU urges member unions to get the jab

THE Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is urging all its member unions to get vaccinated.

Fiji Rugby chief executive John O’Connor said as “we deal with the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the communities, it is now clear that any early return to normalcy and kick-off of our competition will depend on the rollout of the vaccination program”.

“Our Fiji Airways Fijian 7s and Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s teams and likewise members of our Flying Fijians travelling abroad all had to be vaccinated before their travels to ensure their safety as part of the COVID-19 compliance requirements in participating in the international tournament,” he said.

He added while the FRU will respect each individual’s choice in relation to vaccination, they were urged to encourage players, team officials and union executives to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Any return to normalcy and the possible early kick-off of all our domestic competition will depend on the vaccination of a certain percentage of the population and we can all contribute to the early achievement of this target.

“Fiji Rugby has a duty of care to provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment that will ensure the wellbeing and safety of all our employees, players, management, executives, match officials, supporters and everyone involved in rugby and we seek your support in this regard and urge everyone to get vaccinated.”

O’Connor had also urged all the supporters to get vaccinated to support the quick return of rugby and likewise for crowds to be allowed when the competition kicks off.

He also urged all affiliate unions, management and players to remain focused and strictly comply with COVID-19 restrictions and stay home and be safe.

He is also calling on Fijians to wear masks once out and about in public, download the careFIJI app, wash hands for 20 seconds and maintain physical distance every time to help the Fijian Government in its fight against COVID-19.

“We are in total support of the measures announced by the Government and have urgent our Rugby family to strictly comply with such requirements.”