Human rights advocate demands urgent training for Fiji Rugby amid assault allegations

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) is calling for immediate and
mandatory gender sensitisation training for all Fijian rugby players and personnel.

This comes in light of the recent assault case involving Fijian Drua centre Iosefo Masi.

Masi was stood down, and the team management sanctioned halfback Peni Matawalu following allegations of domestic violence.

The Drua has not commented further on the matter, citing the need to avoid interfering with ongoing judicial processes and police investigations.

Shane Hussein, head of commercial and marketing at Drua, states that the relevant authorities are handling the situation and that the rugby franchise will await the outcome of the investigations.

Masi is alleged to have assaulted his partner last week and had a special court hearing last weekend.

Shamima Ali, the coordinator of FWCC, says these incidents highlight a much deeper issue that must be addressed with structured and ongoing gender sensitisation training at all levels of rugby in Fiji.

Ali describes the situation as “tragic” and stresses the wider impacts such incidents can have on families, the sport itself, and the country’s reputation.

“This should not happen, particularly this kind of behaviour from rugby players who are seen as stars," she told the local media.

Peni Matawalu has been sanctioned by the Fijian Drua management. Photo/Fijian Drua

"A lot of young people aspire to reach those heights of playing at the national and international level.”

She says gender-based violence is not only a serious crime but also a career-damaging issue that can affect the future of the sport in Fiji.

“Players need gender sensitisation, awareness of domestic violence, and legal education on how this harms everyone.

"If they are convicted or sacked, we all lose out. These are good players, and it impacts our teams and results.”

Ali urges the Fiji Rugby Union and Fijian Drua management to implement gender training not just for players, but also for coaches and administration, to ensure a zero-tolerance approach to violence and abuse in sport.