The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has launched a new mandatory vetting process designed to safeguard all Fijian rugby players pursuing contracts or scholarships abroad. This significant initiative, developed in collaboration with the Fiji Rugby Players Association (FRPA), addresses the rising concerns about players facing difficult financial and contractual situations while overseas.
In recent years, numerous Fijian athletes have encountered serious issues after sustaining injuries, with many foreign clubs halting payments when players were sidelined. Additionally, there have been alarming reports of unilateral contract modifications and agreements devoid of adequate welfare protections, which left these athletes vulnerable and their families back home under considerable financial and emotional strain.
Koli Sewabu, CEO of the FRU, underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that the organization has witnessed an increasing number of cases where injured players have been denied payments due to their inability to play. He emphasized the necessity of addressing the loopholes in contracts that have led to suffering for numerous Fijian players abroad.
The newly established protocol mandates that all players, including those in age-grade programs offered scholarships and experienced professionals receiving contracts, submit their overseas offers to the FRU for preliminary processing. Following this submission, the contracts will be sent to the FRPA for thorough review, ensuring that welfare provisions are clearly articulated and legally enforceable.
Players are advised to refrain from signing any agreements prior to the vetting process, which necessitates submitting contracts at least two to three weeks ahead of visa processing and travel to allow adequate time for negotiations. Furthermore, all player agents must be vetted and registered through the FRPA, promoting accountability in the offers made to these rugby players.
Contracts must explicitly incorporate provisions regarding housing, transportation, health insurance, and salaries that are in line with competitive standards. Approval from the FRPA and endorsement by the FRU CEO is required before an official Player Release Form is executed to authorize any transfers.
Wame Lewaravu, FRPA Director, emphasized the protective intent of this initiative, urging players and their families to ensure all overseas offers are submitted for vetting. He reiterated the importance of covering every aspect of a player’s welfare before agreeing to any contracts.
In addition to this, the FRU and FRPA have strongly cautioned professional players against negotiating contracts for other athletes, pointing out that some individuals have unofficially acted as agents in overseas transactions. The FRU has reiterated that only licensed clubs and registered agents are permitted to manage player transfers and negotiations.
Failure to adhere to the new process may leave players vulnerable, without recourse in disputes that may arise abroad. This mandate serves as a proactive and essential measure to ensure Fijian players receive fair treatment in the global market, while concurrently defending the long-term health and competitiveness of Fijian rugby.
The message from Fiji’s rugby authorities is unequivocal: seek professional guidance, have contracts properly vetted, secure official release approval, and do not enter into any overseas agreements without consulting the relevant bodies first. This initiative stands to empower players, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the complexities of international rugby contracts with confidence and security.
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