Rugby: Fijian players once again oppose pro-vaccine message on their shirts

The players of the Fiji rugby team have once again given up wearing a pro-vaccination message on their jerseys in place of their sponsor, for their second test match against New Zealand on Saturday.

A week ago, the players had already refused to wear a jersey bearing the inscription "Vaccinate Fiji".

Anti-vaccination opinion is widespread in this Pacific island nation heavily affected by the Covid-19 epidemic.

John O'Connor, president of the Fijian rugby federation, had yet said this week that the Fijians agreed to do it for the second test against the New Zealanders, lost 60-13 on Saturday.

"Following these discussions, the team chose the jersey" Vaccinate Fiji ", with an additional message" It's your choice, "he said.

A compromise ultimately not respected.

Coach Vern Cotter said the players believed the message had passed enough that it didn't need to be on the tunics.

For a week, every day, everyone talked about it.

I think the message was spread enough and the outreach worked, "he said after the meeting.