Fiji Rugby Sevens Team Manager Stood Down

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s men’s team are in London, England, for the Commonwealth Games, without team manager Inia Ledua.

Yesterday, Fiji Rugby chief executive officer John O’Connor con­firmed that Fijian 7s head coach, Ben Goll­ings, had requested that Ledua be stood down as manager, one week be­fore departure.

“The sevens team flew out last Saturday (July 9), without Ledua. This was a request from Ben,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor did not give other details concerning the matter, but said: “We then advised the manager, and he did not travel with the team.

“We could not make any changes be­cause the accreditation process has already been completed. There was no chance of changing a manager,” the CEO said.

The team management had a meeting, which included Ledua, at which Goll­ings indicated to O’Connor that he want­ed the team manager stood down.

O’Connor also confirmed yesterday that the 7s team was training under the guidance of strength and conditioning coach, Etu Tusitala, despite claims on social media forums that Tusitala was also absent from the side.

“In terms of preparation, we had eve­rything being sorted out before the team departed last Saturday,” O’Connor said.

“The coach and the team have been talking. The concern is that there were people who always spoke against the team. They are now focused on their preparation: feedback indicates that they are motivated to do well at the Com­monwealth Games.”

When approached yesterday, Ledua declined to comment on the matter, but said the FRU would be best to respond.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj