The Fiji Rugby Union has confirmed that all national team players in both 7s and fifteens are covered by the Travel and on the Field Medical Insurance policy.

“The Fiji Rugby Union would like to reiterate that all the Fiji Rugby Union teams both in the Sevens and in the Fifteens Code that participate in any World Rugby sanctioned tournaments are covered by the Travel and on Field Medical Insurance policy which is a mandatory requirement from World Rugby to allow for participation,” the FRU statement said.

The statement was issued following a lot of talk and questions raised by the concerned public on social media regarding Vodafone Fijian 7s winger Savenaca Rawaca. Rawaca was recovering at the Suva Private Hospital courtesy of Fiji Teachers Association footing his medical bills.

In the statement FRU said Rawaca’s recovery was covered by FRU. FRU also acknowledged FTA’s assistance.

“Rawaca was injured during Fiji’s match against Canada at the Hong Kong 7s, as such is fully covered by the FRU insurance cover which include any form of treatment or surgery required anywhere in the world,” the statement said.

“Upon returning to Fiji and following his medical assessments, Rawaca’s initial treatment plan diagnosed by his physician who advised him to continue treatment as an outpatient in the Outpatients Department at the Suva Private Hospital which FRU had facilitated.

“We acknowledge the assistance provided by the Fijian Teachers Association; however, as the Employer for Rawaca, FRU is deeply concerned.

“Rawaca had accepted the offer of assistance in good faith not knowing that FTA would turn their offer of assistance into a cheap publicity stunt compromising the provisions of his employment contract with the FRU.

“The FRU had received calls from Rawaca in relation to his concerns about the media being involved and FRU had tried to intervene but the matter had already been covered by the media.”

The insurance policy cover includes coverage for all contracted and non-contracted players of any Fiji Team including the National under 20 Team.

FRU is calling on those intending to assist national team players in a similar circumstance to contact FRU to avoid similar predicaments.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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