Fijian rugby goes up in smoke

Fijian rugby has once again been clouded in controversy with fresh allegations of marijuana use, only this time it concerns officials rather than players.

Two players, who opted to remain anonymous, say that the team bus was delayed from leaving their hotel before their game against Australia on June 9 while two officials smoked the drug in the hotel.

“Many will not comment on it because we all know how things work, like being victimised if we speak out, but it is not good when people are investing big money into this team,” one of the players said to Fox Sports.

“We got really tired of waiting and so the captain (Alivereti Doviverata) said for us to go, and not wait for them.”

The names of the two officials have also been kept secret after allegations were first raised in The Fiji Times when it was alleged the same two officials had been smoking marijuana at a team camp ahead of their Pacific Nations Cup game against Australia A on June 23.

Police had been called after the pair partied into the early hours of June 21.

“We’ve received several reports and are carrying out our own investigations,” Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua said.

“We will deal with the matter and those allegedly involved, should the allegations turn out to be true. Until that time, of course, we cannot say anything further.”

Star winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca was suspended for three months in June for testing positive for marijuana while playing for his French club Agen. The penalty may see him miss the World Cup.

Players Sireli Naqelevuki, Vilimoni Delasau and Viliame Satala have also been suspended in recent years for testing positive for marijuana.