The welfare of players is the main priority for Fiji Rugby Union in any club level, provincial or international rugby arena.
Not only the medical team or physios can save lives on the field of play but a new pathway has been directed by Fiji Rugby Union to allow match officials to take up First Aid courses.
These changes were effective in the first two rounds of the Skipper Provincial Cup competition and the Inkk Farebrother Challenge.
Two separate games in the Skipper Provincial Cup competition witnessed separate incidents where the players suffered potential injuries during head clashes in a tackle situation and the referees in both games applied their First Aid knowledge before the medical team arrived.
Fiji Rugby Development manager Koli Sewabu said accredited match officials not only officiate rugby matches but can also be the first responders in any incident on the field regarding the players injuries.
“From the last two games we’ve noticed how referees were the first responders, knowing what to do in a situation where there is potential high risk of injuries which can also lead to catastrophic injuries or even loss of life if not addressed professionally,” said Sewabu.
“In Fiji almost all the referees’ are going through First Aid in rugby courses (FAIR Level 1) accreditation and I believe that was witnessed in the first two Farebrother games where both referees David Vosalevu and Aisake Drekeni jumped in consecutively in the first two weeks and applied their First Aid knowledge (MILS) to the two players who were injured after a head clash.
“That just highlights the importance of players’ welfare which is the priority of World Rugby and also Fiji Rugby.”
Sewabu urges anyone who is involved with rugby from the coaches to the players and match officials and haven’t taken the First Aid in Rugby course to do so.
“It is important for those that work closely with players to do the FAIR courses if they haven’t done so. It is crucial they know what to do when injury happens and being first responders before the medical team arrives,” he said.
“More so, it will be best for clubs and unions to set this as criteria in their terms of participation for any club tournament that accreditation through World Rugby courses must be emphasized as it focuses on player welfare”.
Meanwhile FRU is working on mobilising First Aid in rugby courses around the country in the future in prioritising player welfare once travel and COVID restriction are lifted.
In the meantime, online courses have been planned for the next two to three weeks and players, coaches and administrators are encouraged to register their interest with the Development Unit.
