Fiji Rugby chairman reveals Flying Fijians pay dispute ahead of Wales clash

Members of the Flying Fijians demanded an increase to their payments on top of their current contractual agreements with Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) before their first Nations Championship Test match against Wales, RNZ Pacific has been reliably informed.

Although no further details were forthcoming, Fiji Rugby Union board chairman John Sanday said the union took care of the situation and increased player allowances.

Sanday is now demanding the team do better than their performance against Wales when they meet England on Sunday morning.

The former Flying Fijian, who played at the 1987 Rugby World Cup, spoke from England on Tuesday, saying there is no excuse for the team. He added the FRU is paying big money to the management and players, who now need to produce the results.

“We pay them well and they recently demanded more in this camp,” Sanday said.

“We couldn’t afford what they were asking for. But we then agreed on an increase in their daily allowance. It’s business now. We need to perform and get wins.

“Nobody follows a losing team. We have a brand, the value of which we want to make a world-class brand of high commercial value.

“We can then get more in sponsorship monies that will go back to the players and also fund our investment pipeline.”

Sanday said last weekend’s loss to Wales was a big disappointment, considering the investment that had gone into getting that game.

He said the Flying Fijians management and team need to review their performance fast and get the results of the investment made on them.

“When I weigh up all the effort that has been put in to deliver a game day experience, the loss and the way we lost the game was disappointing,” Sanday told the Fiji Sun.

“I would like to remind us all the Board has worked very long hours and invested all our capabilities to deliver these three games, and we haven’t gotten one cent in remuneration.

“Those that are very well-paid, from the management to the players need to look at themselves. in the mirror and be honest.

“I personally don’t accept sub-par performance. The return on investment on the Wales match was minus. A poor return all around.”

Sanday said things need to change also within the FRU organisation, where he is demanding accountability.

He stated people must be held responsible and accountable.

“We are not demanding high performance enough from everyone in the organisation,” Sanday said.

“We need to hold each other accountable and deliver the wins we have been searching for consistently.

“This is not a picnic trip where one just goes through the motions, gets paid and then repeat it next week.

“We sometimes are too nice to each other and don’t want to confront the bitter truth.”

He said this new journey requires honest accountability from everyone to everyone in the organisation.

“We seem to be still stuck in Tier 2 in our attitude and approach to the game yesterday (Saturday). This has to change and change quickly.”

Sanday admitted he will take responsibility for the loss but said things need to change quickly.

Both Flying Fijians head coach Senirusi Seruvakula and captain Tevita Ikanivere have stated that while they were happy with the game plan the team played, their control and patience need to be looked at.

“That’s the way that we wanted to play, that’s our brand of rugby,” Seruvakalua told the media post-match.

“We trained for that in the week, but, like I said, we sometimes really pushed it, those passes that cost us. We encourage the play, but the players have to be smart in doing it.”

Ikanivere said control and balance is needed, especially within the 22-metre zone.

“We want to play a brand of rugby that we want, but I think we need to find the balance, especially when we get into our score zone,” he said.

“When the game slows down, I think we have to be patient. I think once we find that balance, it’s going to be great for us as a team, and we’ll start getting our wins.”

Fiji takes on England on Sunday morning in their second round clash.