The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has addressed concerns regarding a recent issue with the numbering on jerseys during a match in Salt Lake City. The FRU clarified that the problem originated from the workmanship of a local company, rather than being an issue with the quality of jerseys provided by their official kit supplier, Umbro.
In a public statement, the FRU emphasized the importance of understanding all aspects of the situation before forming conclusions. They noted that, immediately after the match in question, they communicated with World Rugby and confirmed the issue with the team management. The investigation confirmed that the numbering issue was due to local workmanship in Salt Lake City, not Umbro’s jersey quality.
The Acting CEO of Fiji Rugby, Koli Sewabu, explained that it’s standard practice for international teams to receive jerseys without numbers, as player selections, positions, and sizes are finalized only a few days before a game. The numbering is then done locally once the team is confirmed. Sewabu also expressed gratitude for the support of Fiji’s passionate fans and encouraged them to seek clarity before forming opinions.
This clarification comes amid various challenges faced by the FRU, including recent controversies such as player allowances and the transport issues experienced by the Fijian Drua team. Despite these setbacks, the FRU reaffirms its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and maintaining high standards in the sport. The union continues to strive for solutions that honor the rich rugby tradition and fan base in Fiji, leveraging the resilience and passion that Fijian rugby is known for globally.