The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has addressed the recent jersey numbering issue that arose during a match in Salt Lake City, clarifying that the problem stemmed from local workmanship rather than any flaw in the jersey quality from their official supplier, Umbro. In a statement, FRU stressed the significance of understanding all aspects of the incident before jumping to conclusions.
After the match, the FRU promptly informed World Rugby, confirming with the team management that local production in Salt Lake City was to blame for the numbering issue. Acting CEO Koli Sewabu explained the international practice where teams receive jerseys without numbers, as final player selections and sizes aren’t known until shortly before a game. The numbering is added locally after these decisions are made.
Sewabu also expressed thanks for the unwavering support of Fiji’s rugby fans, urging them to seek clarity before drawing conclusions. This comes amidst various challenges faced by the FRU, including controversies related to player allowances and transportation issues for the Fijian Drua team.
Despite these hurdles, the FRU remains dedicated to transparency and upholding high standards in rugby, continuously striving for solutions that uphold Fiji’s rich rugby heritage and the nation’s passionate fan base. The union is committed to leveraging the resilience that has made Fijian rugby renowned on the global stage.