Fiji 7s: Sorry Fiji, Nasoko

Kalione Nasoko apologised to the people of Fiji before the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team departed for the USA Sevens in Las Vegas last night.

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s skipper sought forgiveness after he pleaded guilty at the Nadi Magistrate Court on Monday for driving under the in­fluence of liquor.

“I would like to apologise to the peo­ple of Fiji, the Fiji Rugby Union, our sponsors, my teammates and family for letting all of you down,” he said during the press conference at the Tokatoka Resort in Nadi yesterday.

“To represent Fiji as a member of the Fijian 7s team is an honour and privilege, and one that I cherish and value greatly. I vow not to let you down again.”

He said he made a mistake assum­ing that he has fully recovered after celebrating with friends when he drove his vehicle that morning.

“This has been a learning experi­ence for me and I hope my experience will be lesson to all,” Nasoko added.

“You need to ensure that you are 100 per cent alcohol free before you drive.

“I never intended to cause damage or harm the reputation or legacy of the white jersey.

“I am truly sorry for these events and I hope to earn back the trust of you all through my future ac­tions and behavior. I will not to do it again.”

He urged the fans to continue to support the team in the Las Vegas- Vancouver cluster.

Head coach Gareth Baber and Fiji Rugby Union chief executive offic­er John O’Connor commended the lanky forward for openly apologising for his off the field demeanor.

“We are thankful that Nasoko has been upfront and man enough to ad­mit his mistake and accept respon­sibility and face the consequences,” Baber said.

O’Connor said players need to main­tain discipline on and off the field.

-Edited by Osea Bola

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