Calling the shots ... Rupeni Caucau's dad Emosi Rasoki relaxes at his home in Labasa
Friday, June 24, 2005)
RUPENI Caucaunibuca's availability for the national rugby team solely depends on his father Emosi Rasoki.
Rasoki made the comments after numerous false accusations and personal attacks against his son for not joining the national team.
In an interview with Times Sport yesterday, Rasoki said the family was hurt when they heard comments against the traditional obligation of taking caucau's eldest daughter to Nasau Village in Bua.
"I told my family it was about time I spoke on behalf of Caucau, because we have been receiving statements of defamation against Caucau. As a father I felt sorry for my son," he said.
Rasoki said it was entirely up to him whether he wanted his son to play for Fiji or not.
"Caucau is different from any other rugby player in that he has reached a milestone. I believe it would take a long time for another Fijian rugby player to achieve in terms of the contract that he has secured," said Rasoki.
"But because of the type of upbringing I had taught him I always make decisions on his behalf."
Rasoki said he wanted to clarify that Caucau's trip to Fiji was not paid for by the Fiji Rugby Union, but his club in France.
"The fact that a lot of people said that FRU paid for his travelling to Fiji is a lie, and that was what really hurt the family," said Rasoki.
"Today, (yesterday) I have sent a carrier down to the village to tell Caucau to come and we will talk and I will tell him to play for Fiji," said Rasoki.
"And I bet every dollar that he will not refuse but will play, he is waiting for me to give the green light. As we speak, I'm telling you that I have given the green light for him to play for Fiji," said Rasoki.
He said Caucau had always wanted to play for Fiji and he had all the respect for Fiji and the FRU although the union could not pay him as much as his club has paid him.
Caucau and his wife Kara had just returned from France. Rasoki said when Caucau arrived in Fiji he wanted to play for Fiji against the All Blacks.
"It was after we heard people sharing their views on air that we heard someone say that traditionally taking his daughter to Bua was wrong and she should be taken to Tailevu, when I ordered him not to play for Fiji," said Rasoki.
"And he did just that and stayed in the village, until today, because the whole family was hurt by what we heard which was why we were not commenting and I had also ordered Caucau not to talk to the media and stay away from Labasa," he said.
His father said it was up to Pivac whether he still wanted Caucau to play for Fiji.
Sujet: Le Pere de Caucaunibuca soutient son fils 
Ven 24 Juin 2005 - 7:48
