Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that he has not given any directive for the closure of the grounds at the HFC Bank Stadium in Laucala Bay, nor does he have any intention of doing so.
Rabuka highlighted this after a public statement released yesterday by the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union, stating that he did not issue such an order and does not have the legal authority as Prime Minister to do so.
He says that authority rests solely with the owners of the ground, which is the Fiji Sports Council.
Rabuka clarified that his only action was to voice concern over the poor condition of the pitch during the Fiji Water Flying Fijians' home test match against Scotland earlier this month.
The Prime Minister adds that visible issues on the field, including uneven and soft patches, had compromised the quality of the game.
He also demanded a thorough explanation from the minister responsible for sports.
Rabuka expresses the hope that the FSSRU will address and correct the inaccuracy in their public statement.
Meanwhile, FSSRU Vice President Biu Colati says he believes it was a mistake by their secretary to issue the statement yesterday, which mentioned that the Prime Minister had directed the closure of the ground, as the public is putting pressure on them regarding the venue for the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve finals.
Colati says they respect the decision of the Fiji Sports Council, as it aims to provide the best facilities for international games.
He says that every player's aim is to wear the white jersey, and with that in mind, they support ensuring the best conditions for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians game against Tonga, as it will showcase what Fiji has to offer to the world.
Colati adds they are now looking for alternative grounds for their union game.
