Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has earned a reputation as someone willing to fight passionately for the cause of the underdog in the game.
A qualified lawyer, the former Gloucester midfield back hit the headlines at last year's World Cup in New Zealand for speaking his mind on Twitter.
His language and references to some of history's worst atrocities might have been on the strong side.
But he is no mouthy whinger - a rebel without a cause à la Quade Cooper - and his point about bigger teams being given preferential scheduling treatment at World Cups has been rectified for the next tournament.
It therefore seems inevitable that the 32-year-old has strong feelings on the recent allegations made by former Racing Métro back-line coach Simon Mannix - that the Parisian outfit paid Fijian players to miss the 2011 World Cup. And Fuimaono-Sapolu wants clubs to realise how important it is for them to release players for international duty.
Although he was careful not to wade in with allegations of his own, Fuimaono-Sapolu said he was not surprised by Mannix's claims and pointed out the IRB's Regulation 9, which is the governing body's attempt to legislate the release of players for Test duty.
"The rules are unequivocal," he told Planet Rugby in an exclusive interview.
"To keep players from representing their country robs not only their country but the RWC tournament of the best players in the world.
"The RWC is meant to be the pinnacle of rugby, where the best players in the world compete against each other having had the best preparation and are at their most fittest, strongest and under the most pressure. It's a celebration of the rugby world's greatest players.
"Quite simply when the best players are not there, it's not the best tournament. Not to mention the hopeful children who wake up at ungodly hours to support their countrymen.
"It's a lose-lose (situation). It really is a blight on the game."
Powerful words indeed but this is hardly surprising as Fuimaono-Sapolu is no shrinking violet.
He believes the battle between clubs and countries is not as simple as it looks and said he was unsure whether punishing players or clubs, found guilty of breaking the rules, would solve the problem.
"The thing is not many players will tell of this treatment because they want to keep their jobs," explained Fuimaono-Sapolu, who is currently plying his trade with Coca-Cola West Red Sparks in Japan.
"There are so many ways to 'entice' a player to make themselves unavailable for national selection.
"I don't know if a punitive approach though will solve the matter. More information and celebration of why it is important for players to be released should be the aim.
"Clubs, especially European clubs, need to see the huge benefits to the player, country and world rugby by adhering to this regulation.
"They need to know that they are doing a good thing. It's great for world rugby. It's great for the fans of Fiji and other countries.
"And it's great for the player. They grow as players and will return to the club better and hopefully, with success at the RWC, they return with greater publicity and attention for their respective clubs.
"It's a gain-gain situation. Players want to represent their country even if it is for peanuts. I guarantee, if you have deprived a player of representing their country, you're not getting the best out of him. He's just working. There is resentment in his heart."
Fuimaono-Sapolu feels if the club versus country issue can be resolved then the game will be the ultimate winner - and that's not just in the feelgood sense.
Everyone knows that money talks, and ultimately makes all the major decisions in sport these days, and Fuimaono-Sapolu can see the financial benefits of giving the smaller rugby nations their due.
"Lots is said about money. I love rugby. I want to see it grow to the level football is on worldwide, but also to a competitive level where anyone can beat anyone. It's just because I love the game.
"The capitalists always talk about money. Well here it is. How much money does football make? Exactly. Loads. And they have the world's most popular game. Therefore, if you want money, then grow the game (rugby) worldwide."
His skills as a diplomat may need a bit of fine-tuning, but as a policy maker he is difficult to argue with.
By David Skippers
This is an extract from Planet Rugby's FREE weekly newsletter, the Crooked Feed, which featuring opinions, news and competitions. All you have to do is click here and sign up to receive our weekly email.
Comments
fraserpark says...
there is no future in pacific island rugby they have no resources or infrastucture capital will always flow to europe japan etc clubs invest money in players they want a return this guy dreaming
Posted 03:19 20th November 2012
5Lock4ward says...
I love what this man has to say. Grow the game world wide. I've been complaining about it on this site for over a year and I'll do so again now; when players like Samu Manoa are either enticed, intimidated or refused release to play for his home country's (USA) national side the game loses. The Eagles need their best players playing in every match, just like Fiji does. Also Ngwenya's questionable visa issue that's keeping him from this autumn tournament and his non-availability for the Eagles recent summer tour deprives not only the USA team and fans but all rugby fans from seeing one of the fastest and most exciting players in the world. The IRB needs to act quickly and decisively in favor of the the greater good and growth of the sport.
Posted 02:09 20th November 2012
side_stepper says...
Definitely needs to be in the IRB committe along with Conrad Smith. Isn't Jamie Roberts a lawyer as well?
Posted 00:42 20th November 2012
sonsofsamoa says...
rugby_rockstar
Definitely agree with you.. everyone says Eliota this Eliota that.. But the reality is Eliota took the fall for ALL tier two nations by speaking against the IRB about unfair scheduling during the Rugby World Cup.. And look what happened straight after the RWC? The IRB realized they needed to rectifyi this mistake .. and this was all because Eliota had raised the issue and boosted public awareness.. Rugby needs a voice to bridge the international and national gap.. And formulate a relationship in order to further the game and maintain the integrity of the RWC
Posted 22:11 19th November 2012
mime says...
I don't understand why they don't jsut ban players form turning up for their club if they refuse to play for their country, for what ever reason, during these windows. Means the clubs gain nothing from stopping the player and means the players have a great excuse to go do the 'right' thing!
Posted 21:04 19th November 2012
jmanngod says...
The guy is as mouthy as most Auckland Lawyers.... but he is good for the entertainment for sure!
Posted 18:19 19th November 2012
jonesy2 says...
i am a fan of this guy. him and other intelligent players like conrad smith should have positions of prominence on the IRB.
Posted 17:11 19th November 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
Good on you Eliota. Rugby needs a watchdog (with teeth) who's the custodian of its interlectual property. Someone who'll protect the product and the ethos against corporate money spinning accountants who are only interested in battery farm rugby. We want free range rugby, we want a product that we can be proud off. Not some grey moulded mass produced bit of tat that costs £150 / month and will be going up again in september as its split up and farmed off to even more greedy slimeballs who want to dig their grubby fingers into the pie. Are we getting value for money? Isn't Fiji being able to pick their strongest side the essence of value for money? Its a con. We need a custodian to look after our sport.
Posted 13:13 19th November 2012