FRANCE-based and former national forward Sisa Koyamaibole has cautioned Fijian rugby players in France to improve their performance while on contracts.
Koyamaibole is the president of the Fiji Residents and Players Association which is made of Fijian players in France. He made the call after the France Rugby Union announced it will decrease the number of overseas players contracted in its competitions such as the Top 14 and Pro D2.
About 300 Fijian players are believed to be playing in France.
“The France Rugby Union, with the French government, has agreed on a law that is to minimise the number of overseas contracted players who will participate in their competitions,” Koyamaibole said.
“In a club, there will probably be ten per cent of players recruited from overseas and the rest will be French players.”
He said the association was formed to help Fijian players if they faced problems in France.
“I’m the president of the association and with this new system, I ask all Fijians contracted in France to perform to their best when given an opportunity to play for their clubs.
“They should maintain discipline on and off the field. “In the Pro D2, the Top 14 and other club level rugby competitions, there are more overseas reps in a team than French players.
“The new law will see lesser overseas players being contracted.”
The law will affect Fijian players because rugby has been an employment helping players and their families and the relatives in Fiji.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor said the FRU had been working with its France counterparts.
“I am not aware (of the change), but I know the FRU and the France Rugby Union are working together regarding players who have earned contracts,” O’Connor said.
Meanwhile, Koyamaibole will end his contract with Brive Rugby Club this season. He has signed a two-year contract with another club.
