Fijian Rugby Union official Peter Murphy has been charged with drink-driving, just days before warning that players' consumption of kava and alcohol would be carefully controlled during the Rugby World Cup.
Murphy, an Australian who is on an International Rugby Board contract as the Fiji union's high performance
manager, spent a night in a police cell on Friday and was charged with drink-driving.
The former Australian Olympic rower is one of 15 officials who will accompany the team to France and Wales later this month.
Nadi Rugby Union secretary Samu Kailawadoko told the Fiji Times it was a "personal matter for the court to deal with".
However, he pointed out the need for all top rugby officials especially those associated with the upcoming World Cup campaign to act as role models.
"The idea is to walk the talk," Kailawadoko said.
Murphy had this week warned how measures would be in place for the Flying Fijians during the World Cup to ensure no one drank excessive kava or alcohol during the RWC.
The players would live under curfew around matches and their social activities would be restricted, Murphy said.
"If there is an after-match function we can let the players have a few beers. Otherwise, when we have a team day out we could have a few beers but that will be it."
Suva Rugby Union president Vilikesa Rauca said the Fiji Rugby Union needed to "put its foot down and monitor the officials and players of the Flying Fijians.
"The matter is for the court to decide but those at the FRU must take caution especially when the Rugby World Cup is just around the corner," Rauca said.
"No one is stopping anyone from having a few drinks because we're all adults but as for the Flying Fijians and their officials, they're public figures and every move they make it is noted by the fans and children."
The FRU and Murphy declined to comment.
- NZPA
