Some may call it sour grapes and a waste of time, but the Nadroga Rugby Union has taught us a lesson – that we should play by the rules and promote professionalism in rugby.

It’s obvious from the outcome of the process to discuss its protest that Nadroga was doing it as matter of principle.

The Fiji Rugby Union upheld the complaint lodged by Nadroga Rugby Union against the Suva Rugby Union for fielding ineligible players in the second HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge Match between Suva and Nadroga last Saturday.

The HFC Bank Farebrother Rules and Regulation clearly stipulates that “only players who have played for their Union in the Skipper Cup Competition are eligible to represent their Unions in the HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge matches.”

But after a meeting yesterday afternoon the two parties agreed that rugby was more important than any Union.

Suva Rugby acknowledged their shortfall in compliance. Nadroga Rugby Union agreed that the Suva Rugby Union retain the trophy and defend it against Namosi tomorrow.

Nadroga Rugby proved yesterday the importance of playing within the rules.

The lesson here: All unions should strive for such standards and professionalism as it is the way forward for Fiji rugby. Standards should be set and adhered to from the grassroots level all the way to the top.

Nadro has shown us the way. The result of last week’s match could have been reversed or a replay ordered. Cricket may be known as a gentlemen’s game.

But the decision of Nadroga, Suva and the FRU made rugby a gentlemen’s game too. As a result, rugby became the winner yesterday.