Former Fiji 7s Wizard and Legend Waisale Serevi has called on the Fiji Rugby Union and the organisers of the Vodafone Deans Competition to do away with the new Deans format, as it defeats the purpose and the loyalty students have for their school.
Serevi highlighted this on his social media post following the review of the Terms of Participation, where teams that qualify for the national eliminations, or quarter-finals, will be allowed to recruit up to six players from within their zone to strengthen their squads for the remainder of the competition.
Another concerned parent, Asenaca Blake, voiced her anger and says rugby was built on loyalty, discipline, commitment, and earning your jersey, not recruiting players once the hard work is done.
Blake says the new format teaches the boys that they are replaceable rather than loyalty.
She says winning should never come at the expense of character.
The mother of three says this rule is a step backwards, not forward.
Insert Blake on format 28th July
Frustrations and mixed emotions across the nation as the new Deans format sparks criticism from spectators who did not like this format.
Looking at the Under-18 elimination matches, Lelean Memorial School will take on Marist Brothers High School, Suva Grammar School will face Ratu Luke Secondary School, Cuvu College will meet St John's College, Navatu Secondary School will play Ra High School, Ratu Kadavulevu School will face Ratu Sukuna Memorial School, Nasinu Secondary School will take on Holy Cross College, Ba Provincial Freebird Institute will meet Queen Victoria School, and Shri Guru Nanak Khalsa College will face Ratu Navula College.
