Fiji sevens stars offered contracts

FIJI – The Fiji Rugby Union has begun offering contracts to its Olympic champion sevens squad stars.

The previous arrangement expired after the Rio Games, with players only receiving minimal match payments and a daily allowance since the start of the new World Series in December.

Fiji sevens stars are in hot demand overseas selectors from a variety of codes.

Reports in Australia have linked the gold medal-winning trio of Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Jerry Tuwai and Jasa Veremalua with a switch to rugby league.

Head coach Gareth Baber said they’re doing everything they can to keep their best players in Fiji.

“I don’t think we can deny that there’s going to be interest for those sorts of quality players around the world, be it in Australia or be it the northern hemisphere,” he said. “The reality at the moment is that two of them have been offered contracts and the third one will be as well. That’s what we’re trying to do here is provide security, in terms of contracts here in Fiji.

“Anybody can come in and look at poaching players if they want to do that – but we want them here, to play for Fiji.

“They’re proud Fiji players, they’ve won Olympic golds and the reality is that we need that sort of quality moving forward to stabilise and deliver performance.

“But also to help the younger players learn what it means to be on the HSBC Series and what levels they have to play at.”

Baber said the players who featured in Wellington and Sydney will be the first to be offered permanent contracts and it’s hoped most will sign them before the series resumes in Las Vegas next month. - RNZI