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Fiji sevens caught up in political row over use of Melrose Cup

Fiji's player Joseva Talacolo (C) waves the trophy from a truck as he celebrates with teammates the victory in the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament upon arriving in Suva on September 16, 2022. (Photo by Leon LORD / AFP) (Photo by LEON LORD/AFP via Getty Images)

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squad has found itself embroiled in a political row over the use of the trophy and have reportedly had gifts of land withdrawn following their triumph in Cape Town.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.

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“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7s team residential lots to build their homes after their win in the Rugby World Cup Sevens in South Africa has been withdrawn after the FRU expressed concerns.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.

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R
RedWarrior 6 minutes ago
Many England fans echoing the same gripe following Six Nations loss

The English defense was excellent in the first half. This is considering Ireland's attack has improved significantly since the Autumn with former Leinster attack coach Goodman. Ireland were beaten by NZ in the Autumn, are behind SA and arguably behind France so de facto 4th in order (rankings take time to catch up) As Eddie Jones said Ireland are still in that elite group so England's domination in the first half is noteworthy.

I believe they have spent the time since the Autumn largely on defence. On broken play they were relying on Smiths instint along with some jiggery pokery. For Smiths early line break a Twindaloo blocked Baird which left the gap for smith. It looked like he did Aki, but Baird was a little late arriving and clever play by Tom Curry allowed the gap for Smith. Earls line break was Smith spotting Baird coming out and beating him with a beautiful pass to Earl.

We saw the rehearsed plays for a couple of Ireland's tries. The Aki try was just identifying that England tended to hide Smith on the wing creating a vulnerability which Ireland exploited with one of Akis great finishes.

Although Ireland were relaxing at the end the two English tries were good enough quality and we may see more of it next week (Scotland will also have taken note).

Although on the easier side of the draw Borthwick almost took England to a RWC final.

But in common with the top4 you need to have firepower to get those tries in big games. Can Borthwick manage that? I don't think so.

Next week even if England have a great first half again, you would be looking at France converting 3 of those Irish chances and pushing on after the break.

Can Borthwick develop a plan to beat France in the next few years. If the answer is no England need to find someone who can.

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