Deans elimination rule changes spark heated debate

The Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union’s (FSSRU) decision to introduce a new Deans Trophy elimination format and allowing six guest players has received divided opinions.

While some believe the changes will improve player development and increase game time, others argue they threaten the identity of inter-school rugby and reduce opportunities for rural schools.

Another significant change is the removal of the 60-day enrolment rule; students who have been enrolled at a new school for less than 60 days will now be eligible to represent that school, provided the principal confirms they are bona fide students.

Southern zone schools rugby union president Rusiate Wadali said the review of the Terms of Particpation (TOP) gives some leverage to how the interim committee is trying to revo-lutionise the school rugby.

“Having four qualifiers for each zone is a significant improvement the past 87 years. The qualification allows the best four from each zone to compete again to another platform,” Wadali said.

“We acknowledge these changes, it will strengthen teams that goes up to the elimination, and the national quarterfinals.”

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Ratu Latianara Under-18 head coach Ratu Seru Kuriyalavou welcomed the reforms, saying Fiji’s young players need more competitive matches if they are to compete internationally.

“What FSSRU is trying to do is increase game time for every player. Rugby keeps evolving, so changes are necessary,” Kuriyalavou said.

Kuriyalavou noted that a Deans-winning side may play only 10 to 15 matches before players are selected for the national Under-18 team, compared with Australian and New Zealand schoolboys who can play 60 to 90 matches before representative duties.

“The more game time, the better. There will always be people who fear change, especially when school pride is involved, but this format focuses on rugby development.”

He also backed the introduction of the guest player rule, saying it would benefit talented players from schools that miss out on the national finals.

“There are many quality players in smaller schools or schools that don’t qualify. This rule gives them the opportunity to play on the biggest stage while continuing their development.”

Serevi, North rep disagrees

However, Fiji sevens maestro Waisale Serevi does not agree with the change of TOP.

Sharing the Fiji Sun story, New Deans Rules on Facebook; he wrote: “Leave it as it is, why keep changing the rules, all have worked hard to come this far. It will be unfair to all the kids who have been training to get a player from outside to play in the quarterfinals.

“Don’t allow this rule, Deans competition don’t need it, let school kids represent their own schools, full stop.”

Fiji Secondary Schools Northern Zone Deans representative Savenaca Koroi strongly opposed the changes, arguing they would disadvantage rural schools.

“I do not agree with the elimination format. It stops rural schools from showcasing their raw talent on the big stage.”

Koroi said schools from smaller communities work hard to qualify and should not lose their opportunities because larger schools missed out.

“A school like QVS has around 1000 students, while a rural school may have only 200. Those smaller schools deserve to enjoy the rewards of qualifying.”

He also analysed the guest player rule, saying it goes against the spirit of inter-school rugby.

“It defeats the very purpose of secondary schools’ rugby. If the aim is to showcase the best players, FSSRU should instead create franchise teams made up of players from different zones who may have been overlooked by national selectors.”