Why it's time to fix the rugby transfer bug

The National Rugby Federation has to date failed to put in place players’ status and transfer rules. With the new rugby national league set to start on February 17, the saga of who can transfer from which club to another has begun and nothing has been done to avoid the customary disruptive trend from emerging. Apparently, the saga is that of last year’s national rugby champions Remera Buffaloes which recently parted ways with head coach Fils Moise Habamugisha. The coach recently joined newly formed IPRC-Kigali on a two-year contract deal, his departure has already sparked controversy, with the Buffaloes allegedly claiming he has already lured over six of their players which he denies. Benjamin Akami Makombe from the Buffaloes thinks it is time to have transfer rules and a window which can remove pressure on clubs. Just like Buffaloes, other clubs have also complained over the flawed transfer system that should be tackled ahead of the anticipated new season. Resilience Rugby Club Captain Donatien Ufitimfura has also warned that having a transfer system based on rules and regulations will provide a platform of professionalism in the domestic sport just like other sports. “All players may represent a club in any fixture unless one is registered with the federation database under a certain club,” Ufitimfura says Without a doubt, a transfer system introduced by the national rugby federation is essential since it rewards the sides that nurture a player from youth level and develop them into professional ranks. Surely a fair distribution of proceeds will do domestic rugby a lot of good. If a player is transferring from one professional club to another then the receiving club has to pay a transfer fee to the player’s former Club. Well, Rugby federation president Alexis has promised that they are looking into the issue, the question is when it is likely to happen? When it comes to such a contact sport like rugby, injuries on the pith are common which could mean being unable to work or play potentially for a prolonged period of time. One player who prefers not to be named claims that some clubs do not offer contracts either medical insurance besides a contact game like rugby. ‘Lack of transfer rules are just one of the challenges by clubs but, as for players, the local federation should also regulate clubs to get us health insurance,” he said before adding that “This is how rugby gets professionalized. This is the ideal time to raise these issues if someone becomes ill or injured at least they can receive health treatment. ” According to Rugby Union rules, players out of contracts at the end of the season cannot be approached until January 1 of the same season, but the rule is designed to protect clubs from losing players. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Why it's time to fix the rugby transfer bug