Super Rugby Pacific CEO admits 'oversights' after Fijian Drua forced to take truck to hotel

Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley has expressed concern over the travel and accommodation issues faced by the Fijian Drua during their recent away game against the Hurricanes. This follows earlier disruptions experienced by the Drua in Napier due to logistical shortcomings, which sparked widespread attention.

Mr. Mesley acknowledged that the Drua team had to squeeze into the back of luggage carts to get to their hotel after arriving in Auckland close to midnight due to "oversights and miscommunications." He stated, "Essentially, what happened was that we identified a number of oversights and miscommunications that created challenges for the Drua. We have addressed these issues with the club and the external transport provider. But yes, it is very disappointing that it happened."

Reportedly, the Drua team stayed at the same Napier hotel as the Hurricanes upon arrival but were told they could not have a late checkout because the city was also hosting a large triathlon festival that weekend. However, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Drua later learned the Hurricanes were allowed to stay at the hotel until just before the game.

Former Fiji, Waratahs, and Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo posted on Facebook questioning how this could happen. "What frustrates me the most is that after a long flight, the team arrives at the airport to find their bus is nowhere to be seen. Instead of waiting another three hours, they jump on the back of a truck to get to their hotel," Nadolo said. "To make matters worse, they were denied a late checkout and were left to wander around or sleep in the lobby for a few hours while the Hurricanes players were able to rest comfortably in their rooms until game time. I and many others said they lost the game in the last 10 minutes. But after hearing what happened, I reckon they actually lost the game the moment they arrived in Auckland."

The game was held at McLean Park, the first Super Rugby match there in four years. The Hurricanes won the match 38-34 thanks to a late try from Harry Godfrey. Meanwhile, the Drua will face the Chiefs at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday afternoon. Coach Glen Jackson admitted they have had "a tough couple of weeks on the road." He said, "We are looking forward to getting back to Lautoka, a venue we love playing at, and having eight days to freshen up is really good for us." The Drua will be eager for a victory, having lost all three of their previous matches by narrow margins. "Morale is really high; we are starting to get quite a bit of rotation through our squad. We are really focused on how we are going to beat the Chiefs," Jackson said.