Fiji Rugby chairman reveals Flying Fijians pay dispute ahead of Wales clash

Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday revealed that the Flying Fijians players demanded increased payments beyond their existing contracts before their Nations Championship match against Wales. While the union could not meet all the demands, Sanday confirmed that player allowances were raised.

“

We pay them well and they recently demanded more in this camp. We couldn't afford what they were asking for. But we then agreed on an increase in their daily allowance. It's business now. We need to perform and get wins.

"We pay them well and they recently demanded more in this camp," Sanday said. "We couldn't afford what they were asking for. But we then agreed on an increase in their daily allowance. It's business now. We need to perform and get wins."

Sanday, a former Flying Fijian himself, expressed disappointment with the team's performance in their loss to Wales. He stressed that with the investment made, there is no excuse for subpar results. He called for management and players to review their performance and be accountable.

“

I personally don't accept sub-par performance. The return on investment on the Wales match was minus. A poor return all around.

"I personally don't accept sub-par performance. The return on investment on the Wales match was minus. A poor return all around," Sanday stated. He emphasized the need for accountability within the organization, stating that the team needs to move beyond a "Tier 2" attitude and approach to the game to build a world-class brand with high commercial value, which in turn will attract more sponsorship.

“

This is not a picnic trip where one just goes through the motions, gets paid and then repeat it next week. We sometimes are too nice to each other and don't want to confront the bitter truth.