Barrie-Jon Mather, the General Manager of the Flying Fijians rugby team, has addressed the recent controversy surrounding the decision to leave one of Fiji’s star players in Dubai during a crucial leg of the tournament.

The move, which has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, was explained by Mather as a strategic and logistical decision, aimed at enhancing the team’s performance and cohesion moving forward.

In a statement, Mather clarified that the absence of the player was not related to any disciplinary issues, as some had speculated, but was a collective decision made by the team’s management.

“We had to take a step back and consider what was in the best interest of the team’s long-term goals and objectives. This decision was made with the understanding that it would benefit the squad in the bigger picture,” Mather said.

Though the identity of the player in question has not been officially revealed, Mather emphasized that the individual remains a valuable member of the Flying Fijians and will rejoin the team in due course.

This clarification was likely aimed at quelling concerns among fans that the decision was a result of internal conflict or a personal issue. According to Mather, the team’s management was focused on optimizing the squad’s performance and ensuring that the players were ready for upcoming matches.

The timing of the decision has led to mixed reactions, especially considering the importance of the Dubai Sevens for Fiji’s standing in international rugby. The tournament serves as a critical point for teams to accumulate points for global rankings, and some analysts have questioned whether the absence of a key player would negatively impact the Flying Fijians’ chances. However, Mather remained confident that the decision was aligned with a broader, more strategic vision for the team’s future success.

“This move was made with a long-term perspective. We are building towards future tournaments, and ensuring the players are physically and mentally prepared is crucial,” Mather explained.

He added that the management had taken all factors into account, including the potential for fatigue and the need for fresh legs as the tournament progresses.

As the Flying Fijians continue their campaign, further updates on the player’s status and the team’s performance are expected. Mather and the management team have made it clear that the decision, although controversial, was made with the best interests of the squad in mind.

Fans will be eagerly awaiting the return of the player in question and hoping that the decision proves to be a wise one in the long run as Fiji continues to pursue excellence on the international rugby stage.