Fiji-born rugby legend Lote Tuqiri has criticized Super Rugby Pacific for the unacceptable treatment of the Fijian Drua during their recent trip to New Zealand.
Tuqiri expressed his disappointment at New Zealand’s lack of hospitality, calling the situation ridiculous and insisting that a professional team should be treated with respect.
The former Wallabies hopes such incidents never happen again, emphasizing that after 30 years of Super Rugby, better arrangements should be in place.
The Drua team faced multiple challenges before their match against the Hurricanes, including transport issues upon arrival and being forced out of their hotel rooms hours before kickoff. With no bus available, the team reportedly travelled in a truck meant for luggage.
Despite their struggles, the Drua fought hard but narrowly lost three consecutive matches, including a last-minute 38-34 defeat to the Hurricanes.
Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson also lamented the logistical hurdles, saying plenty of things went against them and he knew right from the beginning it was going to be a pretty interesting trip.
Tomorrow, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will host the Chiefs at 3.35pm at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
In other Super Rugby matches, the Blues will face the Brumbies at 6:35 pm today, Moana Pasifika will host the Hurricanes at 6:05 pm tomorrow, the Waratahs will take on the Force at 8:35 pm tomorrow, and the Crusaders will battle the Reds at 2:35 pm on Sunday.
Source: Canberra Times
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