THE Fiji Rugby Players Association says urgent systems must be put in place to protect players from growing off-field risks, including overseas abandonment, cultural challenges, and a lack of support networks once they leave home.
FRPA Chairman Ilivasi Tabua revealed that the Association is increasingly dealing with cases of young and senior players struggling abroad after being recruited by agencies that later disappear once contracts are signed.
Tabua said the association, which was formally registered earlier this year as a non-profit entity, is now pushing for stronger scrutiny of player agents and better welfare structures before, during, and after players’ careers.
“There’s a lot of challenges with our players going overseas. Not understanding the culture, not understanding what they’re getting themselves to and you see them on the wrong side of the law so we are looking at how best that we could put systems here in helping develop them as stronger, not only on the field, but off the field as well,” Tabua said.
“The biggest concern is the misdemeanors off the field by clubs, not only by clubs, but players. Agencies that, you know, they take them across and they are abandoned. So those are the things that we want to put in place.
“A body that could scrutinise the agencies and that’s what the biggest issue is, not only with the younger players going over, but with the older players as well. Once it’s in the contract, the agent is gone, there’s no support system, there’s no support off the field,” Tabua said.
He said the situation has left many players vulnerable not only to legal issues but also to poor preparation for life off the field. The association is now working with Fiji Rugby to build systems that strengthen players holistically, both as athletes and as individuals.
Tabua added that the FRPA is also focused on addressing wider Pacific challenges through rugby, including Non-Communicable Diseases and future pressures around food security, water, energy, and health.
As part of this effort, the association is establishing support systems overseas and hopes to mobilise returning players to give back through mentoring, community development, and professional pathways.
Tabua’s message to players was clear: their voice matters, and the association is there to ensure it is heard.
“The game is evolving. You know, our product, it’s a mass demand. So, we’re here to help and support them, their preparation phase to their career and then after the career pathways. So, for us, we’re engaging with the unions, with the national body and how best that their voice is heard in regard to the directions of rugby where they’re moving to.”
