The Fiji Rugby Union yesterday ruled Suva fielded three ineligible players in the HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge against Nadroga at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka last week.

The capital side edged the Stallions 23-24 to take the silverware.

But rugby was the winner in the end after Nadroga agreed for Suva keep the Farebrother Trophy and defend it against Namosi and the HFC Bainimarama Shield champion.

Nadroga filed a protest that Suva players Kini Douglas, Inoke Tuisese and Meli Kurisaru should not have played since they didn’t feature for the capital side during the Skipper Cup competition as required under Farebrother rules and regulations.

The FRU ruled in favour of Nadroga and declared the Stallions the winner of the second HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge on July 29.

However, both parties agreed that rugby was more important. Suva acknowledged their shortfall in compliance, Nadroga Rugby also agreed that even though the FRU had ruled in their favour they have accepted the result of the match and hence agreed Suva keep the trophy and defend it against Namosi tomorrow.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor commended both parties.

He specifically thanked Nadroga Rugby president Tiko Matawalu for raising the complaint to highlight to other Unions the importance of compliance to rules and regulations of the competition.

Suva will now defend the HFC Farebrother Challenge against Namosi at Ratu Cakobau Park tomorrow at 5pm

Navosa will defend the HFC Bank Farebrother Bainimarama Shield against Rewa at Lawaqa Park on Saturday at 3pm.

FRU Media

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