A NEW mandatory protocol has been introduced by the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and the Fiji Rugby Players Association (FRPA) requiring all Fijian rugby players—professional and age-grade—seeking overseas contracts or scholarships to have their agreements thoroughly vetted before signing.
This measure aims to protect players from exploitative contracts that have led to serious challenges abroad, including financial difficulties after injuries and unexpected contract alterations by foreign clubs.
Under the protocol, players must submit all overseas offers to the FRU, which will forward them to the FRPA for detailed review.
Contracts must clearly include welfare provisions such as housing, transportation, health insurance, and reasonable salaries aligned with competition standards.
Players are advised to submit contracts for vetting at least two to three weeks prior to visa processing and departure to allow adequate time for negotiation and review.
FRU Chief Executive Officer Koli Sewabu emphasized the importance of this safeguard.
“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,” he said.
The FRPA will also vet and register all player agents, holding them accountable for the offers they present.
Only after the FRPA and FRU CEO approve a contract will a “Player Release Form” be signed, officially authorising the player’s overseas transfer.
FRPA Director Wame Lewaravu called on players and parents to bring all overseas offers to the association for thorough vetting to ensure every aspect of player welfare is covered before signing.
“We urge players and parents to bring all overseas offers to us for vetting. It is paramount that every aspect of welfare is covered before signing,” he said
Additionally, both organisations warned against professional players acting as agents in contract negotiations, stating that only licensed clubs and registered agents are authorized to manage player transfers.
Players are urged to refrain from such activities, as breaches could expose all parties to serious risks.
The FRU stressed that bypassing this process could leave players vulnerable and force families to bear heavy financial and emotional burdens in case of problems abroad.
This protocol reflects a proactive effort by Fijian rugby authorities to protect their most valuable resource—the players—while ensuring fair treatment in the global rugby market.
All rugby players receiving overseas offers, from age-grade scholarship recipients to professionals, must have their contracts vetted by the FRPA and secure an official release from the FRU before committing to any agreement.
The clear message is: Seek advice first, get contracts vetted, and obtain official release before signing to safeguard a secure and successful career overseas.
