Fiji Rugby Union CEO, John O’Connor has clarified media reports in New Zealand pertaining to the issue of the Flying Fijians’ jerseys, confirming that there has been no loss to FRU by the team not displaying the “Vaccinate Fiji, it’s your choice” message in the second test against the All Blacks.
O’Connor says Fiji Rugby and their partners had a further review of the situation on Friday before the second test, after taking into consideration the rapid increase in COVID 19 cases in Fiji.
He says new cases crossed 1220 and 1405 on Thursday and Friday respectively, with increasing hospitalisations and the tragic loss of lives.
O’Connor says by late Friday, it was increasingly clear that the COVID-crisis in Fiji has reached the stage where adequate vaccination was critically required to save lives, and anything less than a strong vaccination message would be unhelpful in the present situation.
After these extensive consultations with all stakeholders, partners, sponsors and the team, it was determined that the Flying Fijians would play with generic jerseys with sponsor logos only. The CEO also thanked their various sponsors for their understanding and support in this situation and in particular, they thank Swire Shipping for giving up their grass signage and Fiji Airways for their willingness to give up part of their branding on the LED display throughout the match.
These branding assets (the LED and grass banners) clearly displayed the “Vaccinate Fiji” message for those viewing the match at home.
O’Connor says they also sincerely thank the Sky panel of announcers advocating for full vaccination during their panel discussions. He says to be clear, the FRU had never wavered from its support for Fiji’s vaccination programme.
O’Connor says while the initiative to have the strong “Vaccinate Fiji” message on the playing jersey ultimately couldn’t eventuate despite their best intentions, FRU will continue to support the country’s vaccinate campaign at every opportunity.
He says they encourage their rugby players, affiliates and unions to get behind the vaccination efforts to help Fiji emerge from the current COVID-crisis, which will bring rugby back to our communities, schools and stadiums.
O’Connor also thanked the NZ Rugby Union, the sponsors, partners and stakeholedrs incljding the fans for their tremendous support to the team and to Fiji Rugby. He says all eyes now turn to the Olympics, where our Men’s and Women’s 7s lead Team Fiji’s quest for glory in Tokyo.
Fiji Rugby wishes the proud Team Fiji contingent in Japan the very best as they take on the best in the world in a few days.
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