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Fiji may be forced to base Super Rugby team in New Zealand

Fijian Drua players watch from the sidelines (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor has revealed contingency plans are in place to base the Fijian Drua in New Zealand if COVID-19 continues to hamper international travel.

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The Drua are scheduled to join the 2022 Super Rugby competition in a move that is aimed at keeping local talent in the Islands while also giving overseas players the chance to return home to boost playing numbers and top-flight rugby experience.

O’Connor told SunSport that the ongoing impact of the pandemic may force the Drua to base themselves in New Zealand during their first season in the competition, prompting the contingency planning. The FRU is currently preparing to announce the appointment of a head coach and players over the coming weeks and months, with plans for the new team to begin pre-season training in October.

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O’Connor said: “The opportunity was too great to be determined by the opening of a (travel) bubble. If we are required to move and relocate to New Zealand for the first year or something then that’s something that we’ve assured New Zealand Rugby that we are willing to do.

“We just want to be competitive the first year and that’s one of the requirements by New Zealand Rugby that we need to be competitive, and with the planning that’s going on and the appointment of the coach and the players. It’s good to be in the competition, we will prepare well and anything is possible after that.”

Fiji head coach Vern Cotter has enthusiastically greeted the news that the Drua will compete against five New Zealand teams, five Australian teams and Moana Pasifika but warned the level of rugby will be demanding.

“This is great news for Fijian Rugby and it is wonderful that the efforts over the years from players and management have paid off to have Fiji rugby included in an elite competition,” said Cotter.“Watching both New Zealand and Australian Super teams we know we will need to develop all possible structures and attitudes to win games and add value.”

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R
RedWarrior 2 hours ago
The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


One last thing missing from English analysis

How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


Food for thought old boy!!!!

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LONG READ Ireland are Six Nations favourites but issues are starting to mount Ireland are Six Nations favourites but issues are starting to mount
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