The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has taken steps to address concerns about the peeling jersey numbers during the FIJI Water Flying Fijians’ recent Pacific Nations Cup final. The FRU clarified that the issue stemmed from inadequate workmanship by a local company based in Salt Lake City, distancing it from the quality of the jerseys supplied by Umbro, their official kit partner.
In their statement, FRU underscored the significance of basing conclusions on thorough fact-checking. They promptly notified World Rugby of the issue post-match, which was corroborated by the team’s management. An investigation pinpointed the problem to the local company responsible for adding numbers to the jerseys after they were delivered without them—this is standard practice, as player numbers and sizes are finalized shortly before games.
Koli Sewabu, the acting CEO of Fiji Rugby, explained this process, acknowledging the public’s passion for the game and urging fans to seek full context before forming opinions. The FRU appreciates fans’ unwavering support and is committed to resolving such issues to maintain the sport’s integrity.
This situation comes against a backdrop of other challenges the FRU has faced, such as recent allegations concerning player allowances, which are currently under an external audit aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability. The union’s ongoing efforts to improve communication and resolve issues reflect a commitment to enhancing the rugby experience for players, fans, and officials alike.
Moving forward, the FRU’s clear emphasis on accountability and improvement is a hopeful sign. By addressing operational missteps and reinforcing their communication strategies, Fiji Rugby is set on building a strong foundation for future success and strengthening the connection with its passionate fan base.