05/06/2026
PUBLIC CLARIFICATION FROM THE NADROGA RUGBY LEGENDS ASSOCIATION & CLUB GAMES COMMITTEE
The Nadroga Rugby Legends Association and the Nadroga Club Games Committee have taken note of recent comments circulating on social media regarding the selection of the Nadroga Rugby Team, including concerns alleging corruption, biasness, and favoritism in the selection process.
Firstly, we wish to thank all supporters, clubs, players, and rugby followers who continue to show passion and concern for the growth and success of Nadroga Rugby. Such passion reflects the pride our people have for rugby in the province.
However, it is important to clarify certain misunderstandings regarding the roles and responsibilities within Nadroga Rugby.
The Nadroga Rugby Club Competition is administered and run by the Nadroga Rugby Legends Association through the Club Games Committee. The responsibility of the Committee and the Legends Association is to oversee the smooth running of the competition, including player registrations, fixtures, match operations, disciplinary matters, and ensuring fair administration of the competition.
However, the selection of the Nadroga Rugby Team is not conducted by the Club Games Committee nor by the Nadroga Rugby Legends Association.
The Nadroga Rugby Team is selected solely by the appointed Coaching Panel, who independently assess players based on performance, positional requirements, fitness, consistency, team balance, discipline, attitude, and the style of rugby required for provincial competition.
While some members of the Coaching Panel may also be members of the Nadroga Rugby Legends Association, this does not grant the Association authority to influence or determine player selections. The coaching staff exercise their own independent technical judgement in selecting the squad.
We acknowledge that disappointment will always exist when players or clubs feel deserving individuals may have missed selection. This is understandable, particularly in Nadroga where rugby talent is now widely spread across many clubs and communities. As many have said, “Sa rabailevu na kila ni qito rakavi” — rugby knowledge and talent are no longer confined to a particular club or area, but exist throughout the province.
The purpose of the Club Competition remains clear:
• To provide equal opportunity for players to participate and showcase their abilities;
• To strengthen grassroots rugby across Nadroga/Navosa;
• To identify and develop talent for the future;
• To create a strong and competitive pathway for provincial rugby.
We respectfully request that concerns regarding team selection be directed appropriately and based on factual understanding of the selection process.
Allegations of corruption or bias should not be wrongly directed towards the Club Games Committee or the Nadroga Rugby Legends Association without clear understanding of their role.
We remain committed to ensuring that the Club Competition is conducted fairly, professionally, and in the best interests of rugby development in Nadroga.
At the end of the day, we all share one common goal — to build a stronger and united Nadroga Rugby for the future.
We thank all clubs, players, supporters, and stakeholders for their continued support and ask everyone to unite behind the team representing our province.
Vinaka Vakalevu.
- Nadroga Rugby Legends Association
- Nadroga Club Games Committee
