World Rugby makes stand clear on Nasilasila situation

World Rugby says it does not condone any person convicted of a serious crime and currently serving their sentence undertaking any official rugby activities under Union jurisdiction.

In a statement released last night, World Rugby says following reaction from many areas to reports regarding the alleged participation of Amenoni Nasilasila for the Namosi team in Fiji, this position has been clearly communicated to the relevant bodies who have confirmed that the player in question was not permitted to participate in such activity.

It further says rugby’s core values are fundamental to the game and World Rugby will continue to drive positive action to ensure they are reflected across the sport, on and off the field.

The world governing body for rugby says as such, World Rugby is fully supportive of and will continue to work with Oceania Rugby and its Unions on the important work being undertaken in the region in partnership with ChildFund and UN Women.

Nasilasila who raped a 24-year-old woman in a settlement in Sigatoka on 22nd December 2018 was spotted training with the Namosi rugby team earlier this month at the Suva Grammar School ground.

On 29th October last year, Nasilasila also took part in a scrimmage session between the Tuvalu 7s team and the Wardens Team which was preparing for the Oceania Rugby Sevens tournament.

This was only five days after he was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment by Judge Justice Daniel Goundar in the Lautoka High Court.

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