The Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board has met and confirmed a $172,600 payout for outstanding allowances for the recent Fijiana 15s tour, plus outstanding allowances due to the World Cup Fijiana 15s Team and repayment of penalties to two effected players.
When questioned by fijivillage News on the timeline for the payment for the Fijiana players, Fiji Rugby Interim Chairman, Peter Mazey says with the current situation, they are working with the team to clear this as quickly as possible and have arranged to meet with the captain and players on her return to Fiji next week.
When asked on whether the board can assure the players that they will not be victimized through non-selection for voicing their concerns, Mazey says the trustees have already guaranteed to the players that there will be no victimization at all of anyone.
He says they have in fact thanked the girls for coming out and being honest and straight forward as it took courage.
Mazey says their meeting with the team is not just to discuss money but to get their input in women’s rugby as a major part of the restructure of Fiji Rugby.
He stresses they need the players’ input.
When asked on whether the players for the women's teams are on the same pay and allowances as the men's teams, Mazey says from what he has seen, the allowances are the same but as for pay some work needs to be done on that.
Mazey says they have already commenced discussions with the women’s coach and manager to look at contracts for the girls, as they had none at the Oceania last month.
He also says they have commenced advertising for a Manager of Women’s Rugby which they believe will help them ensure our female players are given their rights and help in the growth of women’s rugby.
Mazey says they are lucky that World Rugby is assisting Fiji Rugby with that new position.
