Fijian rugby players need to be properly counseled and educated before signing rugby contracts overseas

There other factors players need to consider before putting pen to paper than just the temptation that grass is always greener abroad with more money on the table.

Yesterday, Fijian 7s rep Savenaca Rawaca butchered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by pulling out of a multi-year deal with top English club Saracens.

While we respect his decision, citing personal reasons, lessons must be learned as it doesn’t augur well for Fijian Rugby and players aiming to build a rugby career overseas in future.

Players need a good support network if they are going to make the most of the opportunities in their contract.

It’s definitely difficult to move away from your support network here at home to a totally new location and culture.

That brings the challenge of adapting in a new environment, workload, time commitments and playing under new management and players.

A player also needs to be able to understand how, as a result of taking that opportunity and challenge, it will help him become a successful rugby player and how it will help him fulfill his potential.

The Navatu, Bua native lit up the World Sevens Series circuit since he made his debut at the Gold Coast Sevens in 2014.

He was a key member of Ben Ryan’s world champions who won the gold medal at the Rio Olympics last month.

His blistering form, physical presence and aggressiveness caught the attention of Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall.

In January McCall said: “Save is an exciting player and at 24-years old he still has a huge amount of potential. I’m sure his physical type of game will flourish in both the Aviva Premiership and European rugby.”

There’s no denying the blockbusting Fijian wing was properly mentored on teaming up with the north Londoners at Allianz Stadium with Ryan playing an influential role.

In January on joining Saracens, Rawaca said: “I’m really excited and happy for this opportunity. It’s a huge club that I want to play as well as I can for. I intend on taking this opportunity with both hands and joining an amazing club with world class players and coaches.”

Ryan sought the assistance of Vodafone Flying Fijians head coach John McKee to allow Rawaca to play test rugby to be eligible to take part in the Aviva Premiership,

He earned his first cap playing during the Pacific Nations Cup/2019 Rugby World Cup qualifier

But all the effort has been put to waste after McCall diplomatically accepted Rawaca’s decision to pull out.

“We are naturally disappointed Save has decided not to take up the offer. We felt he would have been a great addition, but we respect his decision.”

Rawaca, not Saracens, has lost out in  the deal. Securing a contract or even better, a multi-year deal should be a delight for rugby players. They should be the winners in the end not lamenting a missed opportunity in their rugby years ahead.

Feedback: oseab@fijisun.com.fj