The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has implemented a mandatory vetting process for all Fijian rugby players who wish to pursue contracts or scholarships overseas. This significant decision aims to shield players from potentially exploitative contracts amid increasing reports of financial difficulties and harsh contractual conditions faced by players abroad.
The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Fiji Rugby Players Association (FRPA), comes in response to alarming incidents where foreign clubs have ceased payments for injured players unable to perform. There have also been troubling instances of unilateral contract changes and agreements lacking essential welfare provisions, leaving players and their families under financial and emotional strain.
FRU Chief Executive Officer Koli Sewabu highlighted the urgency of addressing these contractual pitfalls, noting that many Fijian players have encountered serious threats to their livelihood due to inadequately reviewed contracts. The new protocol requires that all players—ranging from youth scholarship recipients to experienced professionals—submit any overseas offers to the FRU for review prior to signing.
These contracts will then be passed on to the FRPA for thorough evaluation, ensuring welfare measures are explicitly stated and legally robust. Players are urged not to sign any contracts without prior vetting, with a recommendation to submit contracts at least two to three weeks before visa processing to allow ample time for negotiations and reviews.
To enhance accountability, all player agents must now be registered and vetted through the FRPA, ensuring that any offers presented are made by licensed individuals. Contracts must clearly specify provisions for housing, transportation, health insurance, and salaries that comply with competition standards. After receiving approval from the FRPA and the endorsement of the FRU CEO, players will then obtain an official Player Release Form to complete their transfer.
Wame Lewaravu, FRPA Director, underscored the critical nature of this initiative, encouraging players and their families to seek vetting for any overseas offers. He stressed the importance of safeguarding players’ welfare before finalizing any agreements.
In addition, the FRU has warned professional players against negotiating contracts on behalf of others. This practice, which has been reported previously, is deemed against regulations, with only licensed clubs and registered agents authorized to handle player negotiations.
The FRU’s decisive action serves as a proactive measure to ensure that Fijian players receive fair treatment in the global rugby market while also protecting the integrity and competitiveness of Fijian rugby. The message from Fiji’s rugby authorities is unequivocal: players should seek expert advice, vet contracts thoroughly, obtain official release approval, and refrain from signing agreements without consulting the appropriate bodies and following the new vetting process.