Exciting times are ahead as for the first time players playing in this year’s provincial rugby competition are going to be contracted.

Yes, this was somehow hinted during an interview with Nadroga Rugby Union president Tiko Matawalu. He indicated that they are finalising their final 40 member squad as they need to submit their names to the Fiji Rugby Union by the first week of April, so they could be contracted.

In the course of that interview, the former Flying Fijian prop said they’ve already conducted a trial last Friday where 150 players attended.

It is understood those that are working on this project are now tying up the loose ends of this whole exercise where all participating players in the Skipper Cup comp are going to be contracted throughout the duration of the competition.

This is a big move for Fiji Rugby and again word received from Rugby House is that things are working out well for the whole exercise to unfold.

Although there has been a hush, hush on what is to happen but indication from the (8) union teams on their early preparations is almost a giveaway as they don’t have such activities happening at the start of the year.  Matawalu’s Nadroga Rugby are about to launch their Super 8 comp to prepare their players for the Skipper Cup while Suva Rugby gets their Tens Rugby this Saturday.

When approached Suva Rugby secretary Paula Raqeukai did not reveal much indicating that they are working hard to get their coaches certified and for their executives to discuss in detail the structure they want to put in place. Also, we’ve heard that HFC Farebrother Sullivan Trophy holders Namosi are also on the same mode of preparations as well.

Embarking on this new journey is a step into franchising which is simply a method for expanding a business which is rugby in this case and distributing goods and services through a licensing relationship.

This is a win-win situation for Fiji Rugby where not only the level of competition goes up but also to get what rightfully belongs to they gain financially is a must as well.

– Edited by Osea Bola

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