Tuwai was not behind the removal of Tusitala - Mazey

Fiji Rugby Union Interim Chairman Peter Mazey says to the best of his knowledge, Jerry Tuwai was not behind the removal of former national 7s team Strength and Conditioning Coach Etu Tusitala and the issues on Tusitala’s qualifications were brought to their attention by World Rugby.

Mazey highlighted this while responding to questions by fijivillage News following a now deleted Facebook post by two time Olympic gold medalist, Jerry Tuwai where he had said that he is out of the the Fiji Men's 7s program due to something he did that will benefit the team.

Tuwai had said the sacrifice he did that day cost him his place in the 7s program.

He had said Tusitala is a good man and a great human being but the task that is given to him is more than he can handle.

Tuwai had said the excuse they said for him to prove himself in the local tournaments with nearly a decade of international tournaments and awards and trophies and championships is not enough.

Mazey says the Trustees have not met with Tuwai and have not told him to prove himself in local tournaments.

He says the Trustees do not get involved with player contracts or appointments and that is what they entrust to the coach and his management team.

The Interim Chair says he is unaware of any rift between national 7s coach Ben Gollings and Tuwai and hope one does not exist.

He says the Trustees have a policy to meet with the coaches and as soon as all Trustees are back from the Christmas break, they will meet with Gollings.

Mazey adds Gollings, as one of our national coaches reports through the High Performance Manager, Barrie Jon Mather and it is through Mather that they get their reports on all the teams and coaches.