Rugby World Cup: Commentator slammed for Fiji comments

A disappointed Fiji side after their loss against England. Photo / Brett Phibbs

ITV commentator Nick Mullins has been slammed after making disrespectful on-air comments about Fiji.

Commentating on England's 35-11 Rugby World Cup opening victory over Fiji, Mullins uttered "They will be back in Fiji around one television hoping the generator doesn't fail them."

The comments were met with dismay by Fiji and Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo, who took to Twitter after the match to criticise Mullins.

And Nadolo was far from the only Twitter user who found the comment to be disrespectful and patronising towards Fiji.

"crowding round the one TV, hoping the one Fiji generator doesn't let them down". Yes, well done ITV. #RWC2015 being played in 1920.

— Chris Owen (Mastadon thing bio blah) (@wonky_donky) September 18, 2015

no stereotyping then @itv "in the villages of #Fiji they will be gathering around the one TV and hoping the generator doesn't let them down"

— Danny Spencer (@bigdannyspencer) September 18, 2015

How patronising commentator on #itv, he said 1 TV per village in Fiji powered by a generator? Is that what you think? #ffs #Rugby #RWC

— Andrew Newman (@congobongoman) September 18, 2015

Clearly, Mullins wasn't aware that Fiji has a population of nearly 900,000.

Mullins and his commentary crew copped criticism on Twitter throughout the game, and you have to think he'll be putting more thought into his comments during his next call.