Pacific Rugby Stars Call for Fair Treatment After Series of Logistical Failures
Fijian rugby players and fans have voiced frustration over the treatment of the Fijian Drua during their recent Super Rugby Pacific trip to New Zealand, where the team was forced to ride in the back of a luggage truck due to travel mishaps. The situation has led to accusations of double standards, with former players and supporters calling out Super Rugby organizers for the logistical failures.
The Sydney Morning Herald first reported the travel issues, revealing that the Drua’s team bus was unexpectedly canceled upon their late-night arrival in Auckland. Instead of waiting hours for a replacement, the squad had no choice but to ride in the back of a truck booked for their luggage and equipment.
To make matters worse, the Drua were denied a late checkout at their Napier hotel ahead of their match against the Hurricanes, despite sharing accommodation with their opponents. The Herald reported that while the Fijian team had to vacate their rooms hours before kickoff, the Hurricanes were allowed to stay in the hotel until just before game time.
Breakdown in Communication Acknowledged
Following backlash from former players and fans, Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley admitted that the Drua’s travel experience was the result of a series of communication failures.
“Essentially what happened was several oversights and breakdowns in communications were identified which created those challenges for the Drua,” Mesley said, as reported by RNZ and The Sydney Morning Herald. “And we have now addressed those issues with the clubs and an external transport provider. But yeah, it’s really disappointing that it happened.”
Nadolo Leads Criticism
Former Flying Fijian international Nemani Nadolo was among the most vocal critics of the situation, questioning how such an oversight could happen in a professional competition.
“What frustrates me the most is that after a long flight, the team arrives at the airport only to find that their bus is nowhere to be seen. Instead of waiting another three hours for it to arrive, the boys jump in the back of a truck to get to the hotel,” Nadolo wrote on Facebook, as reported by RNZ Sport.
“To make matters worse, they're denied a late checkout, leaving them to either wander around or sleep in the lobby for hours—while the Hurricanes squad gets to rest comfortably in their rooms right up until game time.”
Nadolo also pointed out the stark contrast in how New Zealand and Australian teams are treated when they travel to Fiji for matches.
“When Super Rugby franchises visit Fiji, they are treated like royalty, with police escorts and top-tier hospitality. Can you imagine an Australian or New Zealand team ever being put through something like this?”
Drua Look to Move On
Despite the controversy, the Fijian Drua are shifting their focus back to rugby as they prepare to host the Chiefs at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.
Drua head coach Glen Jackson acknowledged the challenging circumstances but emphasised that the team remains focused.
“We're looking forward to getting back to Lautoka. It's a ground we really enjoy playing at, and to have an eight-day turnaround has been really good for us,” Jackson said.
The Drua will be eager to secure their first win of the season after narrowly losing their first three matches. Jackson assured fans that morale remains high despite the setbacks.
“Morale's very high, we're starting a fair bit of rotation of our squad. We're massively focused on how to beat the Chiefs,” he said.
Calls for Change
While Super Rugby Pacific has addressed the travel issues with clubs and external providers, the incident has fuelled wider discussions about equity in professional rugby. Critics argue that Pacific Island teams, such as the Drua and Moana Pasifika, continue to face challenges that other franchises do not encounter.
The incident has placed pressure on competition organisers to ensure that all teams receive equal treatment and adequate logistical support. Whether meaningful changes will be implemented remains to be seen, but for now, the Fijian Drua are determined to make their mark—both on and off the field.
Sources: Sydney Morning Herald, RNZ Sport
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