The High Court in Suva has rejected an application from the Nasinu Rugby Football Union (NRFU) aimed at stopping the semi-final matches of the 2025 Vodafone Vanua Cup. This decision was made by Justice Thusara Rajasinghe on October 7, 2025, after the NRFU failed to present sufficient evidence to justify its request for an interim injunction against both the Fiji Rugby Football Union (FRU) and Fiji Rakavi Football Union Ltd.
The action arose from an ex parte application submitted by the NRFU, which sought to block the FRU from continuing with the competition, following a dismissal of a complaint regarding player eligibility. The NRFU accused the Rewa Rugby Union of fielding two players without the necessary release documents, allegedly breaching tournament regulations. Additionally, they argued that the FRU had inappropriately overturned an earlier verbal ruling that favored them and wrongfully excluded them from the Vanua Cup quarter-finals.
However, the court found the NRFU’s claims lacking in evidence, noting that there was no formal decision favoring the union and that the NRFU did not adhere to the established appeal procedures as stipulated in the tournament’s Terms of Participation. Justice Rajasinghe pointed out that halting the semi-finals at this stage would cause significant inconvenience to both the defendants and other teams involved, suggesting instead that damages could provide an adequate solution for the NRFU if they were to prevail in the substantive claims later on.
This ruling underscores the critical importance of following established protocols in sports governance. The current discussions surrounding transparency and accountability in Fiji’s sporting environment gain relevance, particularly in light of recent controversies about player eligibility in various competitions. The conclusion of this case could have far-reaching implications for governance in local sports, potentially leading to enhanced regulatory practices and a stronger emphasis on fair competition.
The resolution of this legal dispute serves to strengthen the integrity of Fiji’s rugby scene, promising a more positive atmosphere for all stakeholders involved in the sport.