All Blacks to play test against Fiji despite stern sanctions by New Zealand - Rugby update
All Black will play a test against Fiji before the Rugby World Cup in July despite sanctions. New Zealand imposed travel sanctions on the Pacific nation after the military took charge of Fiji in 2006. The test match has been confirmed by both the sides to
be played on 22nd July in Dunedin. The match is scheduled to be played to assist the earthquake relief efforts in Christchurch.
The fatal quake hit the city on 22nd February and claimed the lives of more than 180 people. The tremor left as many as 160 people missing and hundreds of houses collapsed. Furthermore, the city was deprived of five Rugby World Cup matches including
two quarter finals due to the structural damage to AMI stadium which is situated in the center of the city.
New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed the fixture and told reporters that the match was delayed due to a travel ban on some military related Fijians associated with the Fiji Rugby Union.
Earlier, Fiji had been allowed to participate in the forthcoming Rugby World Cup by International Rugby Union after a nerve wrecking wait. It was feared that Fiji would miss the World Cup as IRB had due concerns regarding the military interference in the
sport. IRB had been consulting with Fiji Rugby Union over the months and was finally allowed to participate in the world championship.
The issue started between IRB and FRU in 2006 when the military took charge of Fiji and IRB was not happy with the role of the military dictatorship. The military dictatorship impeded in the board’s matters and Fiji Rugby Union found itself in hot water
after news of financial irregularities were publicised. The Commerce Commission of Fiji investigated the issue and it revealed that union was making illegal money and its lottery system was poor.
The fundraiser of Dunedin will also provide Fiji a better chance to field a competitive side for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup as it has been out of action for a while.
Tags: