Fijian rugby players need to be educated properly on respecting and maintaining rules and regulations when they sign with international rugby clubs.

This was the main sentiment from former Fijian 7s coach Etuate Waqa in response to news of former 7s speedster Alipate Ratini’s termination from France Top 14 Club Grenoble yesterday.

“This is something that we need to educate our players in because this is not the first time that this has happened to a Fijian rugby player,” he said.

“Over the past few years, a number of players have been released from their contracts for similar reasons.

“Clubs have rules and regulations that need to be followed and they can sell players to other clubs or release them from their contracts for non-performance so our boys need to be aware of how important this is.

“It’s unfortunate that he’s been released but I believe it comes down to the individual as well as the environment and how they respond. It’ll tarnish his reputation but I do hope that he’ll be able to find another club where his talent can be displayed and appreciated.”

Grenoble released a statement on their official website yesterday that the 24-year-old wing was being released due to ‘Multiple failures, damaging the interests and image of the club’ which ‘make impossible the continuation of his contract.’

Ratini had been with the French club since 2014, earning 34 caps and scoring 10 tries over the past season.

Feedback: eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj