The High Court in Suva has dismissed an application by the Nasinu Rugby Football Union (NRFU) to halt the upcoming semi-final matches of the 2025 Vodafone Vanua Cup. The ruling was made by Justice Thusara Rajasinghe on October 7, 2025, after the NRFU failed to provide adequate evidence to support its request for an interim injunction against the Fiji Rugby Football Union (FRU) and Fiji Rakavi Football Union Ltd.
The case arose following an ex parte application filed by the NRFU, which sought to prevent the FRU from continuing the competition after a complaint regarding player eligibility was dismissed. Specifically, the NRFU claimed that two players from the Rewa Rugby Union had participated without the necessary release documents, thereby violating tournament rules. Additionally, the union contended that the FRU had unfairly reversed an earlier verbal ruling in their favor and wrongfully excluded them from the Vanua Cup quarter-finals.
However, the court identified a lack of evidence to support the NRFU’s claims, stating that no formal decision had been issued in their favor and underscoring that the union did not follow the proper appeal procedures outlined in the tournament’s Terms of Participation. Justice Rajasinghe emphasized that stopping the semi-finals at this stage would cause more inconvenience for both the defendants and other participating teams. He indicated that damages could serve as an adequate remedy if the NRFU eventually prevails in its substantive claim, leading to the dismissal of the injunction application.
This ruling highlights the necessity for clear adherence to established procedures within the realm of sports governance. Similar ongoing discussions regarding transparency and accountability within Fiji’s sports community are pertinent, especially given recent controversies involving player eligibility in other competitions. The outcome of this case may have broader implications for governance within local sports, encouraging improved regulatory practices and greater emphasis on fair play.
As legal disputes within sports management often involve complex issues, the resolution of this matter bodes well for reinforcing the integrity of Fiji’s rugby competitions, fostering a positive environment for all stakeholders involved.