Leave Fiji Ruggers Alone, Tikoitoga Urges NZ Media

http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=39521

By Roland Koroi

SUVA (Fiji Broadcasting Corporation News/Pacific Media Watch): New Zealand media are targeting Fiji's rugby players with questions that could distract them from the Rugby World Cup, says Fiji Rugby Union chairman Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga.

He was responding to a New Zealand media report showing one of its journalists' singling out ex-soldier Leone Nakarawa and asking him questions in relation to his involvement with the Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF) and whether or not he still supported the military backed regime of Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Tikoitoga says the Flying Fijians have been given instructions to focus on the game and leave media enquiries to management.

"That's an unfair question to ask a sports person in rugby because that will distract him from what he is there to do. That’s where management should come in and that’s where the media liaison officer should come in and say all questions should be referred to us while the players are left to concentrate on the game."

Tikoitoga recently had his New Zealand visa application rejected - prompting the FRU to make a formal complaint to the International Rugby Board (IRB).

Nakarawa resigned from the military so he could play in the World Cup, which starts late next week.

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