All is Well For Northland: Driu

Northland Rugby Union president, Livai Driu has assured that everything is well as they brace for today’s INNK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Trophy challenge against Naitasiri at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

Speaking to SUNsports on Thursday, Driu ruled out allegations made recently about the NRU management on their Facebook page.

“Most fans don’t understand the hardship we go through every day in the running of the team,” Driu said.

“It is not easy to look after a major team playing in the Skipper Cup competition.

“Today, rugby is professional, it is like running a business and everything requires money.

“We pay for straps, boots, ice for ice-bath, transportation, meals, ground fees, and medics and so on.

“When things are tight we as officials have to fork money out of our pockets to meet the demands of the team and players.

“The money Fiji Rugby Union gives is not enough to run a union so we have to go out of our way to cater for the team.

“Even Naitasiri Rugby Union went to ask for funds at the FRU annual general meeting, they are the challenge Cup holders, they still need funds to function.

“Last week I reminded them that we need to fundraise that is because we don’t have a major sponsor. “AYI don’t assist us financially, they sponsor the merchandise for our franchise club competition and Nada Navunisole is our assistant treasurer.”

Driu added that people from the province are coming in numbers to show their support.

“They pledge towards their team because it’s a vanua based team; they are assisting us with the provision of meals and refreshments for the players,” he said.

“On Wednesday after training we were surprised to receive police officers from Wainibuka visiting the players with bags of chicken and fruits to show their support.”

Driu clarified that the Army is not in control of Northland Rugby as claimed by fans on social media.

“Our chairman is a school teacher so the Army and the Police have nothing to do about the union,” he said.

“We have our franchise club games happening weekly with teams like Wainibuka, Verata, Dawasamu, Police, Army, Lodoni and Waidalice playing in the competition.

“We are committed there because we are affiliated under Northland.

“Police and Army are affiliated under Northland Rugby Union.”

Meanwhile the Northland rugby reported to camp at the Police Special Response Unit (PSRU) compound in Makoi on Thursday.

“The team is in camp as we narrow down our preparations for the challenge on Saturday,” he added.