Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has instructed the Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union (FSSRU) to reinstate the Bucalevu Secondary School Under-17 side in the Vodafone Deans national quarter-finals this weekend.

The Taveuni based school was disqualified after Nabua Secondary School launched an official complaint to FSSRU within 48 hours after going down to Bucalevu in their playoff match at Subrail Park, Labasa on July 27.

BSS had sneaked past NSS 21-20 in the FSSRU Vodafone Deans national quarter-finals at Subrail Park, Labasa on July 27 to register a spot in this weekend’s quarter-final.

FSSRU then disqualified BSS from the Deans quarter-final this week following allegations that a player who had competed in their U16 team also played in the winning U17 side.

Following that disqualification, NSS is scheduled to lock horns with Ratu Kadavulevu School at 11am this Saturday.

Defending U17 champion Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School is out of the race for failing to win a spot this year.

According to section 10 of the FSSRU Terms of Participation, a player cannot represent two different teams from the same school in the Vodafone FSSRU Super Deans Championship within one season.

While all managers fill in the players’ list, FSSRU officials should verify record (students’ information) prior to kick-off to pick up disparities.

All players’ details are submitted at the start of the season plus their passport photos for verification.

Education Minister Aseri Radrodro confirmed his directive, stating that Bucalevu won their game fairly and deserve to participate in the competition.

“I confirm the directive, stating that Bucalevu won their game fairly and deserves to participate in the competition,” Radrodro said on his social page yesterday.

“I’ve instructed the PS (Permanent Secretary) to inform the FSSRU executives that the game has been played and won by Bucalevu so they have to adhere to the results of the game”.

When this masthead contacted FSSRU president Jone Kanalagi yesterday evening, he said he was at a meeting with the PS and would comment later.

When contacted an hour later his phone was diverted.

When approached for comment last night PS Selina Kuruleca said, “No comment.”

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj