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Fiji sevens caught up in political row over use of Melrose Cup
By Chris Jones
The Fiji Rugby World Cup Sevens winning squad has found itself embroiled in a political row over the use of the trophy and have reportedly had gifts of land withdrawn following their triumph in Cape Town.
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The Fiji Rugby Union has become concerned that the Melrose Cup is being used for political purposes in unsanctioned celebrations of the triumph achieved in South Africa with a 29-12 win over New Zealand in final.
Fiji Rugby Chairman Commodore Humphrey Tawake said “Political parties, groups and individuals are reminded to act professionally and responsibly and not use the RWC 7s win and players for their personal and political advantage.
“The Fiji Rugby 7s players are professional players who are strictly guided by a Code of Conduct. The general public is advised that the appearance of Fiji 7s players and the display of the Melrose Cup will only occur in FRU sanctioned events.”
The FRU issued a statement due to the growing concerns saying: “It has come to light that certain political parties, groups and individuals are trying to use the Fiji Airways Fijian Fiji 7s Team win at the RWC in Cape Town for political mileage under the disguise of a celebration.
“Players and Management have been directed to refrain from participating or being personally involved in any political party events, meetings, gatherings, or public relations.
“FRU is mindful that since the national event on 16th September to celebrate the Rugby World Cup win in South Africa, players’ families and relatives have conducted their own celebrations in the comfort of their respective villages and communities.”
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Meanwhile the Fiji Times reports that a Suva-based company’s offer to gift members of the Fiji 7s team residential lots to build their homes after their win in the Rugby World Cup Sevens in South Africa has been withdrawn after the FRU expressed concerns.
China Village Estate Development wanted to honour the RWC Sevens Cup players by giving residential lots from their sub-division at Lokia in Rewa. The company offered to gift 14 lots to the players plus the coaches which could cost about $2 million.
The company said they wanted to present residential lots with 99 years native lease agreements at their sub-division as gifts.
