Fiji Rugby Union Issues Urgent Welfare Advisory for Players Pursuing Overseas Contracts

February 11, 2026

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), in partnership with the Fiji Rugby Players Association (FRPA), has announced a new mandatory vetting process for all Fijian rugby players—professional and age-grade—seeking contracts or scholarships abroad. This initiative is designed to safeguard players from exploitative agreements that compromise their welfare.

The decision follows growing reports of Fijian players facing serious challenges overseas, including financial hardship after injuries and unilateral contract changes by foreign clubs.

FRU Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Koli Sewabu, emphasized the urgency:

“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.”

Under the new protocol, players must seek guidance from the FRPA before committing to any overseas offer. The process ensures contracts are thoroughly reviewed, with welfare protections clearly outlined.

Key requirements include:

  • Contract Vetting: All offers must be submitted to FRU, who will forward them to FRPA for detailed review.
  • Note: Do not sign any Contract before proper vetting and submit for vetting two or three weeks before visa processing and departure, this will allow for proper negotiations and review.
  • Agent Accountability: FRPA will vet and register all player agents, holding them responsible for the offers they present.
  • Welfare Guarantees: Contracts must explicitly cover housing, transportation, health insurance, and—where applicable—reasonable salaries aligned with competition standards.
  • Official Release: Only after FRPA approval and FRU CEO endorsement will a Player Release Form be signed, permitting the transfer.

FRPA Director, Mr. Wame Lewaravu, echoed the same sentiments while highlighting the protective nature of the process:

“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.”

The FRU and FRPA also issue a strong reminder to players currently engaged in professional rugby: do not involve yourselves directly in the negotiation of contracts for other players.

Both organizations have been informed that some professional players have acted as agents in facilitating overseas contracts. This practice is strictly against protocol and regulations. Only licensed clubs and registered agents are authorized to negotiate and manage player transfers.

Players are therefore urged to refrain from engaging in such activities immediately. Any breach of this regulation undermines the integrity of the process and could expose both the player and the recruit to serious risks.

The FRU warns that bypassing this process could leave players without recourse if problems arise abroad, often forcing families to bear heavy financial and emotional burdens.

This mandate is aproactive and necessary measureby Fijian rugby authorities. Itserves as aguardian systemto:

  • Ensure Fijian players are treated fairly in the global market.
  • Safeguard the long-term health and competitiveness of Fijian rugby by managing its most precious resource: its players.

For any player, parent, or agent involved in taking Fijian talent overseas, engaging with the FRPA and FRU at the earliest stage is not just a rule—it’s a crucial step for a secure and successful career move ensuring that players are protected from exploitation, unscrupulous agents, and unfair contracts. Historically, some young Fijian talents have signed agreements with poor conditions, no medical coverage, or been left stranded abroad. 

Fiji Rugby Union and the Fiji Rugby Players Association highlights that all Rugby players from age-grade students who receive an offer for a scholarship for an opportunity to head abroad to players being offered professional contracts must have their documents vetted and approved through the FRPA before securing a release form from FRU.

The message is clear: Seek advice first. Get your contract vetted. Obtain an official release before committing. Do not sign anything until you have consulted the experts.