The Fiji Rugby Union’s recent Special General Meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges surrounding player registration within the sport. While player registration seems straightforward, it continues to complicate matters in Fiji’s rugby scene.
Ba’s neighboring team, Vatukoula, has recently regained their place in the Skipper Cup after a successful appeal concerning an improperly registered player from the Namosi team. In a similar situation earlier this year, Ba had their own appeal against Vatukoula rejected due to a player participating in both the Ba club competition and for a club in Vatukoula.
To address the confusion and inefficiencies caused by registration disputes, the Fiji Rugby Union is developing a comprehensive database of players. This move aims to ensure that all club players are accurately registered, which is expected to significantly reduce the time invested in resolving protests. Ba has experienced a plethora of such disputes during the current club season, as noted by Ba Rugby Union Secretary Gaby Kautoga, who recognized the strain this has put on the union’s limited resources.
In response, Ba Rugby Union is implementing a new policy that involves registering every player, referee, medic, and coach involved with Ba Rugby and issuing photo ID cards to each. Kautoga noted the initiative’s benefits, including improved administrative oversight and potential access to player insurance and privileges.
While the FRU has suggested that all 7s teams in Fiji should be registered under provincial unions, Kautoga expressed concerns about the challenges this plan would face. Many players typically join various 7s teams independently, meaning that enforcing this might hinder their participation and the overall development of rugby in Fiji, as demonstrated by recent successful performances at events like the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s.
Despite these challenges, there remains a positive outlook as Fijian players continue to gain valuable experience and recognition in competitions. The Ba Rugby Union seeks a balanced approach, allowing the traditional flexibility in 7s team formations while working toward stronger administrative practices.
This ongoing reform effort reflects the Fijian rugby community’s dedication to improving the sport’s integrity and providing better opportunities for its players. With continued support and cooperation among clubs and unions, there is hope for a more organized and effective rugby structure in Fiji.
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