Fiji Rugby (FRU) will hold an inquiry into the incident where Fijian Drua were forced to travel in the back of a cargo truck in Auckland on their way to their Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Hurricanes three weeks ago – while the region’s players union has called out the competition’s referees for perceived bias against the Drua leadership.

FRU Board chairman John Sanday told RNZ Pacific on Monday that the truck incident was “unacceptable”.

“I want to see the results of the inquiry by Super Rugby Pacific and get the full facts,” Sanday said.

“We will also conduct our own inquiry to understand the reason why this has occurred to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

“These are professionals and they are our boys, we want them treated with the level of royalty that they rightly deserve.

“As the national union and these players are FRU players, that treatment is not acceptable at any level.”

Pacific Rugby Players association chief executive officer Hale T Pole doubled down after the incident, criticising referees for their treatment of Drua captains Tevita Ikanivere and Frank Lomani this season, claiming there were incidents this season where referees have ignored complaints from the two on the field.

“Yes, it’s not ideal,” Pole said, referring to the incidents.

“We’ve been in talks all last week and this week with Jack Mesley, Super Rugby Pacific CEO, and Avan Lee, Hurricanes CEO.

“It also reflects how the referees have been treating Drua captain Tevita – he isn’t receiving the same level of respect as other captains.

“Both Super Rugby and the hosting team should do better.”

The Drua players had to catch a ride in the back of a cargo truck from Auckland airport to their hotel. They spent a night in Auckland before travelling on to Napier for their clash against the Hurricane and had to spend the day at parks before their hotel was ready.