Pivac takes pot shots at Kiwis

Fijian coach slams New Zealand's cannabis ruling

Fijian coach Wayne Pivac has slammed New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) officials for their soft-touch approach when dealing with cases of banned substances.

Addressing the media in Suva, Pivac warned his players that those who test positive for the use of any banned substances that they risk banishment from the national team.

Pivac also used the media conference to criticize the NZRU's handling of a case involving Fijian winger Vilimoni Delasau, who tested positive for cannabis metabolite after Fiji's 91-0 loss to the All Blacks on June 10.

Delasau was fined 500 New Zealand dollars (US$S350, ¬285), banned for one match and reprimanded for his second offense involving cannabis, which is included on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of banned substances.

He had previously tested positive while playing club rugby in France.

Pivac said he was disappointed with the penalty imposed on Delasau, which failed to send a message to other players about the seriousness of his offense.

"Delasau tested positive a for banned substance and his punishment, to me, is not deterrent at all, especially for a second offender," Pivac said. "I think the Fiji Rugby Union needs to look at this case and make up its mind what we think should be the Fiji perspective.

"Our guys need to get it through their heads that there is no place for drugs."

The Fiji Rugby Union has yet to discuss Delasau's case, but Pivac said he would make clear his view on drugs offenses.

"We need to make sure that the right message goes out to our rugby players," he said. "We should not wait until the next person gets caught. We need to deal with it now and make an example.

"I have made my views clear that people who partake in drugs will not be selected by me. It brings the union's name into disrepute."

Pivac said news that Delasau had used cannabis during Fiji's lead-up to the test against New Zealand was disheartening.

"My message to young people out there is if you want to represent Fiji, do not touch any form of drugs," he said.

"If we had any knowledge of players found with banned substances, they would have been sent home immediately."