Drama has started even before Suva run into Lawaqa Park today to face Nadroga in the Skipper Cup semifinal.

After Suva released their line-up yesterday, the defending champions lodged a complaint on the fielding of fullback Meli Kurisaru, centre Eroni Sau and reserve prop Eneri Lotawa.

Suva rugby manager Ileli Hiagi said in an email that the Fiji Rugby Union had alerted him about the complaint from the Nadroga officials.

They claimed that the players had played in the Nadroga club games this year and were not eligible to represent Suva.

“We had a hard decision to make by dropping both Eneri Lotawa and Meli Kurisaru from the final list while Eroni Sau is cleared to play for Suva,” he said.

Hiagi added that they’ve managed to get replacement players for today’s game.

Police Rugby manager Waisea Colata said they’ve made enquiries into the matter and found that Kurisaru had played for his village team last week and failed to inform them.

“It was the player’s own decision and we have requested him to get his release since he was already registered in the Police Rugby Club from the beginning of the season.

With Kurisaru ruled out, this has given the opportunity for Rusiate Tiqa to play. The Army fullback played a grand game in Suva’s win over Nadi last Saturday.

The match kicks off at 3pm. Tickets: Grandstand $20, Grass Embankment $10

Suva likely line-up: 1. Luke Tagi (Lomaiviti), 2. Tevita Seru (Police), 3. Samuela Newa (Police), 4. Peni Naulago (Navy), Daveta Koroitakali (Army), 6. Alipate Mataivelia (Stallions), Samu Bola (Police) Captain, No.8 Jitoko Usumaki (Navy), 9. Aporosa Kenatale (Navy), 10. Mosese Tikoduadua (Navy), 11.Alasio Naduva (Army), 12. Sitiveni Kunaga (Navy), 13. Eroni Sau (Police), 14. Levani Kurumudu (Army), 15. Rusiate Tiqa (Police). Reserve: Semi Keli (Navy), Apete Joko (Raiwaqa), Apisai Tauyavuca (QVSOB), Jone Manu (Covenant), Peni Kamakorewa (Raiwaqa)

Edited by Osea Bola

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