IRB talks to NZ Govt

The International Rugby Board states that it is working with the New Zealand Government to ensure that the members of the Fiji Rugby World Cup squad can compete in the tournament.

While responding to questions sent by Fijivillage, IRB’s General Manager Oceania William Glenwright said the IRB wants all member unions to field their strongest possible side in the World Cup.

Glenwright stated that the IRB invests a lot of money in the high performance and development programs in Fiji as it does in many other countries in the Pacific and throughout the world.

He said it is in IRB’s best interest that Fiji fields its strongest possible teams in international competitions.

However Glenwright reiterates that the IRB respects New Zealand’s right to issue visas to whomever it chooses in accordance with its immigration policy.

Glenwright also confirmed that the International Rugby Board received a letter from the Fiji Rugby Union last week which outlined their ongoing concerns in relation to the travel bans that are affecting some players.

However he said the FRU has not indicated that Fiji does not intend to participate in legs of next year’s IRB Sevens Series.

FRU Chairman Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga said earlier this week that Fiji may not participate in the NZ and Australia 7s next year if the travel sanctions remain.


Story by: Vijay Narayan