Demands for RFL boss Ralph Rimmer to resign after shocking comments about Fiji team before World Cup

‘We don’t think anybody has been arrested yet, do we?’: Demands for RFL boss Ralph Rimmer to resign after SHOCKING and offensive World Cup comments about Fiji international side

  • Rugby Football League boss Ralph Rimmer may lose job before World Cup
  • Rimmer asked if any Fijian players had been arrested after arriving in the UK
  • Gaffe was deemed racist by many online, calls have come for his resignation
  • Rimmer later ‘apologised unreservedly’ and contacted Fijian management 

Ralph Rimmer’s position as boss of the Rugby Football League (RFL) is on very shaky ground following a highly offensive remark he uttered about the Fiji squad ahead of the World Cup in the United Kingdom.

Speaking in front of colleagues, players, club executives and guests at the RFL’s annual awards event, Rimmer produced a gaffe for the ages.

‘Fiji have already arrived. We don’t think anybody has been arrested yet, do we?,’ he said.

‘No, we are alright, so we are going pretty well then.’

According to Wide World of Sports, Rimmer eventually offered an apology for the tasteless comment – but calls for his immediate resignation in the United Kingdom have already begun.

Ralph Rimmer’s tenure as boss of the Rugby Football League (RFL) is on very shaky ground following a highly offensive remark he uttered about the Fiji squad ahead of the World Cup in the UK

Rimmer (pictured right) produced a gaffe for the ages, asking if any of the Fijian players had been arrested after arriving on local shores

Rimmer (pictured right) produced a gaffe for the ages, asking if any of the Fijian players had been arrested after arriving on local shores

It is understood Rimmer, who commands an annual salary of almost $300,000, will look to dig his heels in and won’t quit.

After the comments many deemed racist went viral online, Rimmer ‘apologised unreservedly’ and also contacted the Fijian management team privately to express his remorse.

‘There was no intention to malign the Fiji squad,’ the under fire Rimmer said in a prepared statement.

‘In fact, the context of the remark was my excitement that their (Fiji) arrival in the country marked the imminence of the World Cup competition, to which they have contributed so significantly and positively since 1995, (both) on and off the field.’

Earlier this month, NRL stars Viliame Kikau, Panthers teammate Api Koroisau, Eels prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Knights frontrower Jacob Saifiti and Dragons forward Tariq Sims were the big names selected for the Bati squad, who will be coached by Joe Rabele.

Penrith star Viliame Kikau will represent Fiji at the World Cup, provided he isn't suspended or injured in Sunday's NRL Grand Final

Penrith star Viliame Kikau will represent Fiji at the World Cup, provided he isn’t suspended or injured in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final

Eels prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard was also named in the Bati squad, who play Australia in their first pool game on October 15

Eels prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard was also named in the Bati squad, who play Australia in their first pool game on October 15

Whether Koroisau plays for Fiji is another matter, with Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said to be keen for the dynamic hooker to play for Australia.

‘I know that he has some interest to play for the Kangaroos, but the door is still open for Api,’ Rabele said.

Fiji take on Australia at Headingley Stadium in Leeds on October 15 before further pool games against Italy (October 22) and Scotland (October 29).

Meninga’s Kangaroos have been widely tipped to win the tournament, but the likes of New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga and the hosts will also fancy their chances.

The final is set down for November 19 at Old Trafford in Manchester.

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