The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has made a significant announcement regarding the exclusion of former national 7s player Eminoni Nasilasila from the upcoming final of the nation’s premier domestic rugby competition. The decision comes amid widespread public interest and demonstrates the union’s commitment to its regulations and player welfare.
In a statement, the FRU emphasized that permitting Nasilasila’s participation would conflict with the organization’s own Terms of Participation (TOP) and pose risks to player safety. The union outlined that the decision was influenced by concerns over a breach of the tournament’s rules and the welfare of the players involved. The FRU stated, “Breaching our own TOP to fast-track a player into a final undermines the integrity of our competition and opens the door to legal challenges from other teams.”
Nasilasila’s previous legal troubles, having been convicted of rape in 2018, have led to discussions about his reintegration into society and sports. While the FRU reiterated its support for the Yellow Ribbon Program, which aids in the rehabilitation and reintegration of former inmates through sport, it noted that throwing Nasilasila into a high-stakes match without adequate preparation could risk serious injury, which they declared as a matter of “duty of care.”
Furthermore, the union stressed that this decision should not be misinterpreted as a rejection of the player but rather as a necessary step to ensure a safe return to rugby. The FRU firmly believes in second chances, stating, “We believe in the power of rugby to heal and rebuild lives,” and affirmed their commitment to facilitating Nasilasila’s return to the sport when the time is right.
This move reflects a broader commitment within Fiji rugby to uphold integrity while offering a path to redemption for those seeking to reintegrate into the sporting community. With ongoing discussions about player welfare and adherence to regulations, the FRU aims to foster an environment where all players can thrive while maintaining a safe and fair competition.