Star wing vows loyalty to Fiji

By WYNNE GRAY

Rupeni Caucaunibuca wants to play test rugby but only for Fiji, a decision which guarantees his attendance at this year's World Cup.

After speculation and accusation about his rugby future, the 22-year-old wing and lock Vula Maimuri declared their intentions last night after a series of meetings in Auckland.

"Reports that the Blues or anyone else from New Zealand rugby have put pressure on me not to play for Fiji are incorrect," Caucaunibuca said.

That statement contrasts with an earlier outburst from Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Pio Bosco Tikoisuva, who was irate yesterday about Caucaunibuca's perceived treatment.

The exciting wing has played sevens for Fiji which disqualifies him from playing for another country unless the International Rugby Board agrees to a new remit.

Fiji believed he was being encouraged to sit out the World Cup with a view to switching to New Zealand if the international eligibility laws were altered.

The Fijians held that view after a chance meeting at Eden Park between Caucaunibuca, Tikoisuva, and FRU chairman Keni Dakuidreketi before the Blues game against the Sharks. After that conversation, Tikoisuva accused the Blues of messing with the wing's mind.

"Clearly he is being placed under extreme pressure by those around him and I believe this includes his Super 12 coach," Tikoisuva said.

"He told me he was under a lot of pressure from his coach to sit out the Rugby World Cup but that he only wanted to play for Fiji.

"He told me this in Fijian and in a way that was honest and sincere. I must say what he said and the way he said it in our traditional manner left me with no doubt in my mind."

Both Blues coach Peter Sloane and chief executive David White denied the allegations, asking what advantage could accrue to the Blues from Caucaunibuca's changing his eligibility.

"I have cared for him in our environment. What he does internationally is up to him," Sloane said.

After a meeting last night at an Auckland hotel, Caucaunibuca gave a written statement which dissociated him from the earlier comments of his chief executive.

"Northland and the Blues have been very good to me over the last few seasons. I appreciate everything they are doing for me and my rugby and hope that I can repay that on the rugby field over the next few years," the wing said.

"I am contracted to play NPC and Super 12 rugby in New Zealand until the end of 2004 but internationally I am eligible and available for Fiji, not New Zealand.

"At the moment my focus is on getting over my injury and back playing for the Blues."

There are doubts whether Caucaunibuca will be fit to play for the Blues this Friday against the Cats. He has suffered repeated leg problems and missed the scratchy 25-16 win against the Sharks.

Caucaunibuca's manager, Glen Subritzky, yesterday met Blues officials and then had the discussion with Caucaunibuca, Maimuri, Blues development officer Ant Strachan and both Fijian officials.

Both players pledged loyalty to play for Fiji. They expected to link up with the national squad in late May or when their Super 12 commitments were finished.

It had been an unsettling day for Sloane.

"All we want is to get Rupeni back on the park," he said. "It is up to him and his manager who he plays test rugby for. I won't suggest where he goes."