(RUGBY HOUSE – SUVA) – 26 MAY 2014 – The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) today clarified issues surrounding the Lautoka Rugby Union’s (LRU) complaints in the media on their monthly allocation for the 2014 Skipper Cup tournament.
LRU secretary Mr Salesi Vulakoro categorically stated in the media that the FRU was to blame for them (LRU) missing out on their Round 7 match against Ovalau last weekend.
“On the 1st May we received an e-mail (Mr Jale Nakacia A/Secretary LRU) from Lautoka citing financial hardship and requested if FRU could assist with the payment of boat fares to Macuata,” Dr Berlin said.
“On the 2nd of May FRU sent a letter of assurance to Patterson and paid $9000 for the LRU boat fares to Macuata.”
“This was to come out of the LRU May 2014 allocation ($7250) with the balance to be taken from their June 2014 allocation ($1750),” he added.
“We have not missed any payment to LRU,” Dr Berlin clarified.
“The FRU sympathizes with the LRU, on the financial difficulties faced when running a provincial union and will endeavour to assist provincial unions whenever possible,” Dr Berlin assured.
“FRU has assisted provincial teams travelling to Macuata using the Fiji Airways Sponsorship where Unions will only pay the taxes and an administration cost compared to the full fare. “
Dr Berlin said the FRU would like to ask the media to report fairly and responsibly as FRU has been unfairly criticized on this issue.
FRU