EDITORIAL: Why The Rush to Terminate Naulivou when she was only Giving Her Views?

Did the Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited (FRFUL) board jump the gun when it termi­nated Laijipa Naulivou, days after appointing her as Rugby Director?

What did she do wrong that warranted such action? Naulivou was only giving her view when asked by our sports journalist Ioane Asioli, on her take on lesbianism and its impact on our national women's rugby teams.

After giving her views, Naulivou also indicated that players have their rights, but the issue can still be managed.

She was talking from experience as a rugby player being the first Fijiana woman's captain, coach, man­ager, administrator and referee. So, what was wrong with it?

What she had said was her personal opinion prob­ably based on her ethics. She was speaking from ex­perience and performance.

With rugby in her veins apart from hockey, basket­ball and netball, she has been following the perfor­mance of our national women's teams who have let victories slip through their fingers.

With the level of professionalism and qualification of coaches, managers, medics and liaison officers like our gladiators (Flying Fijians), we also have our am­azons (women) who we believe can perform equally well as our men on the rugby paddock.

We have it in our genes, physical build, the guts and flair but why hasn't it been possible for them Fijiana(s) to give us the results we deserve.

Our women sevens side performed miserably at the recent Paris Olympics when they failed to win a game. After winning the bronze medal Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games they suffered humiliating losses in Paris.

Minnows China beat Fiji 40-12 and so to Brazil 28-22.

There was a lot of speculation likewise the same level of covering up whenever the question of lesbi­anism popped up.

Then at every opportunity on and off the field they sing praises and recite Bible verses for divine inter­vention like hypocrites.

It was a taboo to discuss because it was about human rights, but at the same time it was everyone's right to know the truth of what was happening in camp and leading-up to the Olympics.

Someone quips that the World Rugby does not con­done negative comments on lesbianism; the World Rugby speaks about transgender period.

The noble Rugby House is shaky for no reason; they terminated her despite her wanting to hand in her resignation letter. Why? Is she a threat? Come on, she deserves better.

One thing is clear that there are elements of de­struction behind the guise to develop rugby here; they're pushing their personal agenda in eliminat­ing deserving candidates while opting for the likes of them to run the sport we hold dear to our hearts.

The Rugby House needs to set its house in order; a ministerial intervention can be helpful for clarity in the noble house.

Feedback: karalaini.waqanidrola@fijisun.com.fj