Fijiana 15s player, Asinate Serevi has spoken out after recent statements on the Fijiana 15s and Fijiana Drua, and said that every single player that’s played and have played under Fiji Rugby has been either misguided or mistreated.
Serevi says the real issue is that no one is ever honest with the players.
She says on her facebook post that they are still owed $600 from the World Cup so not all payments have been paid out to the World Cup players.
Serevi says for the Wallaroos test match and Oceania - they were told before they left for the test match that while they are home training at camp that they would be getting paid $100 a day until the day they leave for Oceania then the pay would increase to $300 a day until they flew back.
She says throughout the tour they were continuously told that the $300 was approved and still being processed.
Serevi stresses they are not liars and that was clearly told to the players, and that’s why the players are upset.
She says they as a team have constantly asked about the payments since the day they left for Australia, followed protocols and the channels.
Serevi says Skipper Leweniqila emailed FRU and still did not get a response regarding payment and questions regarding the tour.
She says their last resort was - social media hoping for a reply, which they somewhat got with the statement FRU has issued.
Serevi says for those saying the Fijiana don’t deserve to be paid as much as the men - they do.
She says even with the $3.1 million sponsorship from Vodafone for the Fijiana, they don’t have the $3,800 paid to the players as promised.
She says the team and management have sacrificed a lot to be away from their family and friends to carry the national banner on the world stage of rugby.
Serevi says the team faced challenges, for example, during Oceania, their management/male coaches were not with them as they were floating around like nomads waiting to be booked to their next accommodation each day.
She claims the Fiji Rugby Union failed to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate the management despite sending them on a national duty.
Serevi says all in all - pay the rest of the money promised to the players and the FRU can deal with the rest after.
She says she is praying that none of this affects selections for future tours, and this is them standing their ground for the future of women’s sport.
We have sent further questions to the Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board and are awaiting their response.
The Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board has assured the public and the Fijiana players, that all due payments have been fulfilled.
This follows a facebook post by the Vodafone Fijiana 15s captain, Sereima Leweniqila saying “Do we have to win everytime to be treated right? Could we get paid the amount due to us? What does it take for our voices to be heard? Do we always have to fight to get what we deserve? Pay Us What is Due to Us.”
This morning, the FRFUTB members, Administrator, Simione Valenitabua and Finance met with team manager Vela Naucukidi and reviewed the payment processes, requisitions and vouchers.
The rugby body says it was confirmed to her satisfaction, stating that all dues owed to Fijiana Drua and Fijiana 15s players have been settled.
Naucukidi also shed light on the source of recent social media upheaval, which appears to stem from a misunderstanding about the daily allowance rate for players.
The rate structure, established by the previous administration is :
● Fijiana players receive $300/day during the World Cup and $100/day for the Oceania tournament and the Australia Wallaroos test.
● The Fijian Warriors Men's team receive a daily allowance of $50/day local and $100 while on tour, a rate in effect during their recent victorious run at the World Rugby Pacific Challenge Cup. The FRFUTB had earlier said the Warriors get $27 a day, and this has been amended to the above.
Valenitabua says they are deeply committed to player welfare and exploring partnerships with sponsors to ensure this commitment is upheld.
He says an example of this is the partnership with Rooster Chicken, whose generous bonus sponsorship of $82,000 was fully paid and distributed to the Fijiana Drua team in May 2023.
They also express their gratitude towards the Fiji Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their approved bonus for the Fijiana Drua players, which they are eagerly awaiting.
They appreciate the ongoing sponsorship agreement with Vodafone, who have pledged significant funds for the 2023 season, a gross sum of $1.6 million including in-kind, $497,976 net per year, and $247,086 budgeted for programs until May 2024.
The rugby body also acknowledges the concerns raised by the Fijiana captain and appreciates her leadership and passion for the team.
They encourage all players to continue sharing their concerns and suggestions through the proper channels with the Team Manager.
The Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board says they are steadfast in their commitment to finding sustainable solutions that will further enhance women's rugby in Fiji.
The FRFU Trustees and management are currently awaiting reports from the tour coach and management to address any potential issues not yet discussed publicly by the Fijiana Captain or the players.
We are trying to speak to Leweniqila after the FRFUTB’s statement.
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