The Tuvalu Rugby Union has formally retracted comments it made yesterday in relation to convicted rapist and former National 7s player Amenoni Nasilasila.
In a comment on a post made by Activist Kris Prasad, the Tuvalu Rugby Union said “please don't mention rape, we all didn't see to our eyes what happened that time”.
The post further read “Law is a competition too, sometimes we just put the innocent people in prison so please respect everyone. Thanks Nasilasila for the help. #RugbyForAll”.
The comments were made after a scrimmage session between the Tuvalu 7s team and the Wardens Team on Tuesday.
The President of the Tuvalu Rugby Union Mika Elaisa says it is unacceptable that comments were made on behalf of the union without any written consent from the governing board and its executives in such a sensitive issue.
Elaisa says the Tuvalu Rugby 7s team in promoting the equal participation of women and girls and maintaining its good relationship with Oceania Rugby, will make the right decisions moving forward in the interest of the tournament and its legacy and advocacy programs.
Elaisa says Tuvalu Rugby affirms the intentions of Oceania Rugby in the strongest terms possible condemning violence against women and girls in the affirming of the long-term commitment to promoting improved gender equality in rugby.
Oceania Rugby says the scrimmage session occurred outside of the Oceania Rugby Sevens tournament window, so they therefore were not aware of Nasilasila’s involvement with the Wardens Team.
