NEW SEVENS MOVE
FRU to sanction 7s tournaments, 7s official window from NovemberMarch each year
The Fiji Rugby Union has confirmed that from next year, it will start to control and sanctions sevens rugby tournaments in Fiji within an official 7s window, which will be from NovemberMarch every year
This was confirmed yesterday by FRU chief executive officer John O’ Connor indicating that the move was a matter of serious discussion at the last December special general meeting.
He said the council had endorsed that there was a great need for FRU to sanction all 7s tournament within an official window.
O’Connor indicated that unions had raised their concerns at the number of 7s tournament organised around the country which was greatly impacting the preparation of their players for the 15s season. The unions, he said, had highlighted that while they were investing greatly on their off-season programmes, their players were distracted by the various 7s tournament some of which did not comply with minimum safety and player welfare requirement.
This resulted in players suffering injuries which are not treated properly.
“We want the players to have proper rest after each season and have a proper off season programme so they perform well in our domestic competitions and compete for positions in the Under-20, the Fiji Warriors and likewise get contracted for the Fiji Drua,” O’Connor said.
“Unions had raised their serious concerns during our special general meeting when we laid out the fifteens season to the union representatives and asked them if they could ensure that their players have time to rest or recuperate and have a good off-season since FRU were concerned about their players welfare.”
O’Connor pointed out that due to the nonexistence of an official 7s window- there were a lot of tournaments being played around the country which are not properly sanctioned.
“We at FRU also received complaints on how some of these tournaments were organised.
“It’s things like the winning teams not getting their prize-money, referees not being paid, no proper medical personal on the ground and so forth.”
He indicated the FRU has put forward an expression of interest for clubs and organisations wanting to host their tournament under the Official FRU window to express their interest.
“Also our national 7s coaches will only be at our sanctioned tournaments to scout for potential players,” O’Connor said.
REQUIRMENTS
All interested parties must include the folowing in their applications;
- Sponsors for the tournament - Tournament dates
- Number of participating teams (men/ women/ youths)
- Tournament rules and regulations - Tournament medical doctor (must be Intermediate Care in Rugby (ICIR) accredited - Participating referees association
- Detail of prize money distribution
“FRU is in collaboration with the Fiji Rugby Referees Association, it will ensure that only registered match officials will officiate in the sanctioned tournaments,” O’Connor added.
All 7s tournament applications are to be at FRU headquarters by March 1.