Players who are loyal to Fiji Rugby will be given first priority, says a senior official yesterday.

Speaking to SUNsports, Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor said they had no intentions to compromise the pathways they have set, which goes down to the grassroot players.

“We respect the decision of our players who have opted to play for other countries,” he said.

“Due to change in the eligibility laws, some of our players who have played for other countries want to come back and play for Fiji.

“We welcome them, but we will only consider them if there is a need and the call will be made by the coaches.”

Players, who have indicated their interest to play for the Flying Fijians include Bath No.8 Nathan Hughes, Northampton Saints winger Taqele Naiyaravoro, and Seta Tamanivalu, who plays for Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan.

Apart from Baden Kerr, O’Connor said the rest of the players in the Drua squad had signed up their contracts with Fiji Rugby before they were loaned to the franchise club.

“We’ve adopted something similar to New Zealand Rugby. The players we have signed, have Fiji as their first preference,” he said.

Fijian Drua chief executive officer Brian Thorburn said they were also talking with players who had signed a one-year contract, but have shown their worth.

“We’re ready to extend their contract,” Thorburn said.

“There are also players who have signed two or three-year contracts as well.”