7s concern

GADE CLAIMS FRU TAKING WAIRIKI TOURNEY LIGHTLY

CONCERNS have been raised as no officials from the Fiji Rugby Union were seen at the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s to scout players for the Fiji 7s team.

Tournament director Iowane Gade claimed FRU was taking the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s lightly compared with another tournament being held simultaneously in Sigatoka.

Gade said it was sad FRU was not present at the four-day tournament to scout for players.

“With big names participating in the tournament (Wairiki) such as Police and Navy, shows the level of competition at the tournament,” he said.

He said the talents of Iosefo Masi and Semi Radradra were nurtured at the Holy Cross ground in Wairiki.

“Hopefully, in the future, Fiji Rugby Union will be here and come and join us,” he said.

Paradise Beverage sponsorship and events specialist Alfaio Tekavei said he wouldn’t be able to make any comments on the issue.

“It is not my place to make any comment,” he said.

When contacted yesterday, FRU interim chairman Peter Mazey said he was also not able to comment on the issue.

“Ask the Fiji Rugby Union special administrator Simione Valenitabua,” he said.

Valenitabua, when contacted for a comment on Friday, said there were Fiji Rugby Union officials at the tournament, but they were not there to recruit players.

“They are there to access participants who were part of the workshop last week that was facilitated by FRU,” he said.

However, he said if a player would stand out to an official, they have every right to refer him or her to the high-performance unit.

When asked whether Fiji Rugby Union was giving more priority to Coral Coast 7s, Valenitabua requested to email the questions.

Questions sent to Valenitabua on Friday remained unanswered when this edition went to the press.