Here is the link to the decision World Ruby made a few days ago regarding Scott Barrett red card. In anticipation of Pacific Islander rugby players and teams going through this same process, it pays to study the Disciplinary Decision document, especially the “Sanctioning Process – Assessment of Seriousness” and “Relevant Off-Field Mitigating Factors” pages 3 - 5 Studying the form in the link below shows the disciplinary thinking process of World Rugby. Knowing the process allows one to more effectively defend oneself … https://bit.ly/rugbydecision 1. Assessment of intent (only two options here: intentional or reckless. Better to be reckless than intentional) 2. Existence of provocation 3. Whether Player retaliated 4. Self-defence 5. Effect on victim (if the victim suffers no injury, then better for you) 6. Effect on match 7. Vulnerability of victim 8. Level of participation/premeditation 9. Conduct completed/attempted 10. Other features of Player’s conduct Mitigating Factors: 1 Acknowledgement of foul play (and timing) (If you admit to foul play, they let you off a bit) 2 Youth and/or inexperience of Player 3 Remorse (and timing if remorse) 4 Player’s disciplinary record 5 Conduct prior to and at hearing 6 Other off-field mitigation #rugby #fijirugby #flyingfijians #rugbyunion #rugbyworldcup #worldrugby

Being dropped from a team representing one's country at the Rugby World Cup is undeniably painful. Regarding Volavola's exclusion, opinions are divided into two factions. Some believe the decision was unjust, suggesting it might be the result of questionable choices by the coach. Conversely, there are those who support Coach Simon Raiwalui's decision. Personally, I believe that individual player selection pales in comparison to the importance of a well-orchestrated build-up process. The lead-up to the World Cup has been riddled with challenges and controversy. The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has experienced significant turmoil, with players expressing discontent over payment arrangements, leading to situations like Mazey's emergency trip to Taveuni. Everything I've mentioned is public knowledge, but there are undoubtedly behind-the-scenes issues that remain undisclosed that makes it even more evident that the journey to the World Cup hasn't been smooth. In my opinion, only a consistent and comprehensive four-year preparation, inclusive of regular international tests against Tier 1 nations and a reliable FRU that has the trust of both players and the public, will position us to genuinely contend for the title of World Champions. As much as it pains to say this, right now, we are World Cup tourists. On the upside, we have the potential to be World Champions. Here is what Volavola said about his non selection, “He [Simon Raiwalui] told me the reasons and all I can do is to accept it. There was obviously sadness and those kinds of feelings. But now it’s not about me anymore. It’s about the boys, about the squad and the boys that they’ve picked. I will be backing them and supporting them the same way I would be if I was in the team. I’m really happy for the boys. You know, it’s all about them now.” #volavola #fijirugby #fijirugbyunion #flyingfijians #rugbyworldcup #rugbyunion #fiji #fijianrugby

Sulita Waisega, Fijiana Drua openside flanker. She is simply an outstanding rugby player and one of the reasons why the Fijiana Drua have been in dominant form. - - #waisega #fijirugby #fijiana #fijianadrua #flyingfijians #fijian #fijianwomen #fiji #rugby #womensrugby #drua

Happy Birthday to Brad Johnstone, Superhero of Fiji Rugby, former All Black, Fiji & Italy Coach. I had the pleasure of interviewing him 4 years ago. It is one of my most memorable experiences speaking to a rugby professional and I came out of that interview with a greater respect for him. Brad Johnstone has a love for Fiji Rugby and is a gentleman. Here is a link to that interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxbYQDVkjnk - #rugby #fijirugby #bradjohnstone #fiji #allblacks #northshorerugby #prop #rugbycoach #fijirugbyunion #allblack

My first encounter with Dr. Neil Sharma in 2020 was fostered by our shared passion for health, research, and holistic wellbeing. Over the ensuing five years, our professional interactions have provided me with a profound understanding of his unwavering dedication, consummate expertise, and an impressive work ethic that continually strives for enhanced health outcomes. With each subsequent communication, my respect and admiration for him has only deepened ... Please see our FB page for full article. #sharma #fiji #fijian #doctor #fijimedical #fijihealth #fijiandoctor #fijianmedicine #fijianmedical #fijihealth

Laisani Moceisawana, Fijiana Rugby Sevens and Drua player. She is a speedster, excelling in athletics and now rugby. Originally from Somosomo in Taveuni. - #moceisawana #fijiana #fijirugby #fiji7s #fijirugbysevens #sevensrugby #rugbysevens #fijian #taveuni #fijianwomen #drua #womensrugby #7srugby #rugbyunion

Iowane Teba, just won the San Jose Premier Rugby Sevens Player of the Tournament. He is an incredible rugby sevens player who we all wish was given a chance with the national team earlier. He is a testament to the great work being done by the Raiwasa Taveuni 7s coaching staff. - - #teba #rugbysevens #rugby7s #7srugby #taveuni #raiwasa #fijisevens #fijirugby #fiji7s #fijirugby7s

"I was thinking about my family back home. They are my why! Why I'm doing this!", Vuiviawa Naduvalo on being named the Player of the Final at the Singapore Rugby Sevens Tournament. - - - #naduvalo #fijirugby #fiji7s #fijirugby7s #7srugby #rugby7s #rugby #flyingfijians #fijisevens #rugbysevens #fijirugbysevens #yasawa #why #purpose #fijian #winger #family

Allen Lockington, a man whose compassionate heart touched the lives of thousands, has left an irreplaceable legacy. Known as the "people's man," Allen's genuine care for others was a defining trait. His writing possessed a particular enchantment, captivating readers with his clever use of words. Fearless and self-assured, he never hesitated to ask thought-provoking questions. Allen's compassion, wit and love for fun were evident in his Facebook posts. I am sad I never met him and that this drawing took so long. He was a Facebook friend of mine, and we occasionally chatted. Allen Lockington will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace. === #lockington #fijian #fiji #lautoka #fijiislands

Worldwide, people recognise the potential that exists in Fiji Rugby. It is common for sports enthusiasts, even Fiji's opponents, to say, “Fijians are made to play rugby”, “are the most gifted players in the world”, etc. But why, then, does Fiji Rugby fail more than succeed? For every one step forward, we seem to take at least two steps back. Why? Surveying a range of experts, the answer is “administration”. Righting the wrongs of past administrators is no small feat. It requires not only the ability to recognise and acknowledge past missteps, but also the strength-of-character to confront them head-on. Peter Mazey is working to reform Fiji Rugby, & we already see the transformative power of good leadership. Mazey has an unwavering commitment to hard work & is a tough negotiator, especially with World Rugby. He is trying very hard to get World Rugby to increase its funding of Fiji Rugby while at the same time reforming FRU into an organisation that everyone trusts. While juggling these balls in the air, he is also “putting out fires”, that is, resolving one scandal after another that was caused by the previous administration. In chess, there is a concept called “Zugzwang” (German word) which is where you are in a position where any legal move you make will put you in a worse position than what you are in already. Basically, you are in a position where you are forced to make a move that sucks. All you have is bad choices in front of you. Peter Mazey is in a zugzwang! This is a horrible position to be in! I feel we, the public need to recognise that and be supportive as opposed to unfairly critical. We need to be supportive because Mazey is burning the midnight oil and chairing a committee of eminent interim unpaid trustees who are working diligently and following due process to reform FRU. We thank Peter Mazey for his strength of character in confronting the problems at FRU head-on & for his transparency, especially during the press conferences and would like to encourage him to continue to openly engaging with the public. #fijirugby #fijirugbyunion #fiji7s #fijiana #fiji7s #mazey #fijian #fijirugby #fijisevens #fiji #flyingfijians #fijisports

The temporary trustees of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) deserve our backing and goodwill. They are working free of charge, staking their reputations to reform Fiji Rugby. It is disheartening to witness continuous criticism towards those who risk their reputation for the betterment of Fiji's number one sport. Without these individuals, Fijian rugby risks severe decline. Much of Life sincerely thanks the interim trustees Peter Mazey, Jenny Seeto, Alipate Naiorosui, Sikeli Tuinamuana, and Mosese Naivalu for the work they have done so far. We realize that a lot of criticism you face is unmerited and we encourage you to persevere. To everyone who loves Fiji Rugby & wishes FRU to be successful, let's be part of the solution and work with the interim trustees to fix Fiji Rugby. The choice is simple: we can either be part of the problem or the solution. Being part of the problem is unfair and toxic criticism that may demotivate and derail the efforts of the interim trustees. We will never see eye to eye on everything, and there may be certain trustees, politicians, and FRU staff that people dislike. All that is fine, as long as we can work together to fix FRU, because the big picture is that FRU is sinking. There is an expression, "Never bite the hand that feeds you." Right now, I feel that many are biting the hands of those that are trying to reform FRU. The interim trustees did not create the mess at FRU, they are trying to solve the problems created by others. Let's all be part of the solution and support them, because, after all, it is our team. #fijirugby #fijirugbyunion #fiji7s #fijiana #fiji7s #mazey #seeto #naiorosui #tuinamuana #naivalu

Eroni Sau, also known as ‘Sledgehammer’ is a Superhero of Fiji Rugby. Sau is an enigma, because one would expect a nickname such as ‘Sledgehammer’ for a Forward, a position where a lot of hard tackling, i.e., ‘sledgehammering’ traditionally occurs. But improbably, it’s used to describe Sau who plays as a Winger, traditionally a position that is occupied by a ‘finisher’, the fastest, and in the Fijian context, razzle dazzle players that are second-to-none in their effective, flamboyant and entertaining tackle avoiding skills. Additionally, generally speaking the most outstanding attackers are not the best defenders, however, Sau has consistently displayed some of the very best defending ever seen in the world of Sevens Rugby. His tackling often results in turnovers. #sau #eronisau #rugby #fijirugby #sevens #7s #sevensrugby #rugbysevens #rugbyunion #fiji #fijian #superhero #rugbyplayer #outlier #flyingfijian #yasawa #fiji7s #rugby7s #drua #flyingfijians