The Flying Fijians will get to wear the ‘Vaccinate Fiji’ imprinted jersey in their second and final Test against the All Blacks in Hamilton this Saturday, after Fiji Rugby added on, “It’s Your Choice” alongside the vaccination message.
“I’m pleased to confirm that after comprehensive and productive discussions with the Flying Fijian players, the team has agreed to wear the playing jersey…against the All Blacks on Saturday,” FRU CEO John O’Connor said in a statement.
“We have listened to the concerns raised by some members of the squad regarding the message, and the perspective that individuals have different choices when it comes to vaccination”. In turn, we explained FRU’s position and support for the vaccination programme in Fiji, which will help save lives and assist our health authorities in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.”
When it was unveiled initially ahead of the first Test between the two teams in Dunedin last Saturday, the jersey only carried the message Vaccinate Fiji which did not go down well with some members of the Flying Fijian that team management had to opt for a clean playing jersey. The hosts won that outing 57-23.
“The issue is now settled and we wish the Flying Fijians the very best in the second Test against the All Blacks this Saturday. We are, of course, delighted by their gallant performance last weekend in the first Test, which speaks volumes about the quality of our players as well as our development and high-performance programmes,” O’Connor said.
The match kicks off at 7.05 pm.
