The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) recently confirmed that bonuses for some members of the Fijiana XV squad, who participated in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, were initially withheld due to internal matters. Reports highlighted that several players had not received their promised bonuses following the tournament, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the issue.
Koli Sewabu, the FRU chief executive, disclosed that the players were promised a $1,000 bonus for winning a match, which they achieved in their final pool game against Wales, securing a 28-25 victory. However, certain incidents during their stay in England led to the decision to hold back these bonuses temporarily.
Sewabu elaborated that the FRU needed to confirm details from the hotel concerning various incidents, which included breaches of the team’s no alcohol policy by some players. While he refrained from confirming specific details, he acknowledged that the situation involved guests entering the team’s hotel and other disruptive events.
Despite these challenges, Sewabu emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding all aspects of the incidents before releasing the bonuses to ensure fairness and accountability. Ultimately, the FRU completed the investigation and subsequently released the withheld bonuses, underscoring their commitment to transparency and the well-being of their players.
This situation highlights the importance of adherence to team policies, particularly in high-stakes environments like international competitions, while also reflecting the FRU’s dedication to resolving issues thoughtfully.