The Ba Rugby Union has proposed an injury insurance scheme for all players at Club, Tikina, and Provincial levels, focusing on player welfare.

This was one of the key outcomes of the Special General Meeting held in Ba over the weekend.

Players will pay an annual fee of $10, which will cover medical costs for injuries sustained during BRU tournaments or while representing Ba. The coverage includes transport to medical facilities and treatment until full recovery.

“This system mirrors the one successfully used by Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union, and we are grateful for their guidance in this area,” said the Ba Rugby Union statement.

Aside from the insurance initiative, the meeting also addressed several other key developments for the 2025 rugby season.

The upcoming Club Rugby season will be divided into two division the Premier 16 and Championship with a system of automatic promotion and relegation for two teams. This structure aims to increase competition and provide teams with clear goals for advancement.

To boost for women’s rugby, which faced low participation in 2024, the Women’s season will now include the Rooster Chicken Shield competition and warm-up matches against teams from other provinces during the Men’s Club Rugby season. This approach is expected to provide better preparation and attract more players.

In a move to encourage youth participation, the Union announced the introduction of a Boys’ Under-17 grade in the 2025 Tikina Championships. This new division is designed for boys who are not part of the school system, broadening the scope for grassroots rugby development.

The meeting also highlighted challenges with scheduling Tikina competitions during the second school term. While the timing may pose logistical issues for Women’s and Junior teams, it is anticipated to draw fresh talent from outside the school network.

With these initiatives, the Ba Rugby Union aims to enhance player welfare, increase inclusivity, and strengthen rugby development across the province.