Former Kenya Sevens winger Dennis Ombachi has weighed in on the ongoing contract standoff between the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and Shujaa players.The player-cum-chef argued that the focus should shift from drafting restrictive agreements to making rugby financially sustainable across the board.Download Our Mozzartsport App For More NewsOmbachi believes the impasse could be addressed by improving the commercial value of the 15-a-side game, rather than concentrating on contracts that seek to regulate players’ participation in club rugby.“The conversation is getting tired. Stop wasting time drafting contracts and make 15s rugby as financially rewarding and commercially attractive as 7s,” Ombachi posted.His remarks come amid concerns among Shujaa players over proposed employment contracts that could limit their ability to represent their clubs while under national team agreements.Under Clause 5.15 of the proposed agreement, a player is required to play rugby solely for the Kenya National Team under KRU, unless authorised by the union or required otherwise by applicable rules.Clause 5.16.3 further states that a player cannot train or play rugby union, or participate in another competitive sport, with another union, team, body or organisation without prior written authorisation from KRU.The clause also requires the other organisation to accept, in writing, liability for the player's lost salary, medical costs and associated expenses should they sustain an injury while participating in those activities.The provisions have raised questions about the relationship between the national team and the clubs that provide players with opportunities to compete, develop and earn a living.For Ombachi, however, the underlying issue goes beyond the wording of the contracts. He argues that Kenyan rugby must create an environment where players can build sustainable careers within the sport instead of treating it as a temporary pathway to other opportunities.“Not everyone is playing purely for the love of the game, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you love the game so much, build structures that make it sustainable for the people playing it. As things stand, rugby in Kenya is a foundational stepping stone to whatever path players eventually choose to take. We need to make it a destination, not just a stepping stone,” he said.The proposed agreement outlines several obligations for KRU, including remuneration, comprehensive medical insurance covering rugby injuries, travel and accommodation for official team activities, playing gear, and opportunities for players to participate in sponsor engagements.Ombachi questioned the extent of control the proposed agreements could give the union over players’ professional choices, particularly if those restrictions are not matched by adequate financial security.“For a contract to have that much autonomy over a sportsman’s life is to dictate his destination. If you’re going to tie someone down and take away their freedom to choose their own path, then you have a responsibility to compensate them for the journey you’re demanding they take. You cannot demand someone’s future without investing in it,” he posted.With the HSBC SVNS 2 series scheduled to get underway in January 2027, it remains unclear whether the Shujaa players will eventually sign the proposed employment contracts.