The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and the Fiji Rugby Players Association (FRPA) have rolled out a new mandatory protocol requiring all Fijian rugby players, including both professionals and those in age-grade teams, to have their overseas contracts and scholarship agreements carefully vetted prior to signing. This initiative is designed to shield players from potentially exploitative contracts, which have previously resulted in severe challenges, including financial strains due to injuries and unexpected changes from foreign clubs.
Under this new procedure, players are instructed to submit any overseas offers to the FRU, which will then forward the contracts to the FRPA for a thorough review. Essential welfare provisions must be included, covering areas such as housing, transportation, health insurance, and salaries that meet competitive standards.
To ensure timely processing, players are advised to submit contracts for vetting at least two to three weeks before their visa processing and departure, allowing ample time for negotiation and necessary adjustments.
Koli Sewabu, the CEO of FRU, emphasized the importance of these protective measures, stating, “We have seen cases where players are injured, and clubs stop payments because they are not playing. Too many players are suffering abroad due to loopholes in contracts that were not properly reviewed before signing.”
In a bid to enhance accountability, the FRPA will also vet and register all player agents to ensure they present fair offers. A contract will only be validated through the signing of a “Player Release Form” approved by both the FRU CEO and the FRPA, formally sanctioning a player’s overseas transfer.
Wame Lewaravu, FRPA Director, urged players and their families to submit overseas offers for vetting to ensure comprehensive welfare coverage. He stressed the importance of proper oversight before making any contractual commitments.
Furthermore, both organizations have cautioned against professional players serving as agents during contract negotiations, asserting that only licensed clubs and registered agents are permitted to facilitate player transfers. Engaging in unauthorized activities could expose players to significant risks.
This proactive step by Fijian rugby authorities underscores a commitment to protecting players—considered the sport’s most valuable asset—while promoting fair treatment within the international rugby landscape. All players, from those receiving age-grade scholarships to established professionals, must have their contracts legally vetted by the FRPA and secure an official release from the FRU before moving forward. The core message remains clear: players should seek advice, vet contracts, and secure approvals to ensure a successful and secure career abroad.