Rugby authorities have issued a firm warning to agents, clubs and intermediaries against directly approaching school rugby players aged 19 and below as overseas interest in the country’s young talent intensifies.
The Fiji Rakavi Football Union (FRFU) and Fiji Rugby Players Association (FRPA) have outlined mandatory protocols governing player recruitment, contracts, scholarships, representation and overseas transfers, particularly as the Vodafone Super Deans competition reaches its crucial stages.
Under the directive, agents are prohibited from directly approaching players aged 19 and below, or their parents and guardians, for recruitment, representation, contracts or overseas placements.
Any person seeking to engage a school player must first approach the Head of School, who must notify the FRFU. The matter will then proceed through the appropriate process involving the FRPA before contact with the player or family takes place.
The organisations said the safeguards were necessary because young players and their families could otherwise enter agreements without adequate contractual or professional advice.
FRFU chief executive Koli Sewabu said weaknesses in overseas contracts had previously left players vulnerable, particularly when injuries occurred.
“We have seen cases where players are injured and clubs stop payments because they are no longer playing,” Sewabu said.
“Too many players can find themselves suffering abroad because of loopholes or weaknesses in contracts that were not properly reviewed before they were signed.”
Sewabu stressed that the measures were not designed to prevent players from securing international opportunities.
“We are not blocking opportunities; we are protecting and securing those opportunities,” he said.
Agents seeking to recruit or represent Fijian players will also be required to present their credentials to the FRFU, which will refer them to the FRPA for due diligence.
Players must also submit proposed overseas contracts, scholarships or transfer agreements for review before signing. The review can cover remuneration, accommodation, medical treatment, injury protection, insurance, education, visas, termination provisions, agent commissions and repatriation arrangements.
FRPA director Wame Lewaravu urged families to seek advice before committing to overseas offers.
“Parents naturally want the best for their children, but overseas contracts can contain complex provisions relating to injury, payments, accommodation, insurance, termination and other important matters,” he said.
Players seeking overseas transfers must also obtain their required release before leaving Fiji, with applications lodged after departure not to be approved.
The organisations said their central message was that international opportunities should never come at the expense of player welfare.
