PM Rabuka Addresses Poor Pitch Conditions at Historic Rugby Test

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed disappointment over the substandard condition of the pitch at HFC Bank Stadium during Fiji’s historic first home test match as a tier-one rugby nation against Scotland last Saturday.

The landmark event, which marked a significant milestone for Fijian rugby, was marred by an unfit playing surface, prompting the Prime Minister to demand answers.

In a statement addressing the nation, PM Rabuka described the pitch as “clearly not fit for an international match,” citing soft patches, uneven footing, and visible signs of damage that persisted throughout the game.

“As your Prime Minister, I was deeply disappointed,” he said. “That is simply not good enough.”

The Prime Minister has called for a full explanation from the responsible Minister, emphasising the need for accountability. Adding to the concerns, he noted that just hours after the rugby test, workers were observed preparing the same pitch for the OFC Women’s Nations Cup playoffs the following day.

Rabuka criticised the overloaded scheduling, stating that it not only jeopardises athlete safety but also undermines the quality of Fiji’s international sporting events.

“We must do better for our players, our fans, and our reputation on the world stage,” Rabuka declared. “This is not an issue we can ignore or brush aside.”