The Fijian Drua has established its inaugural Academy, welcoming a cohort of 29 players under the age of 16. This significant initiative aims to nurture young rugby talent and provide them with a structured pathway into professional rugby.
The Academy will bring together players who have been scouted from secondary school competitions, signing contracts that allow them to participate in training camps multiple times a year at the club’s top-tier facilities located in Nadi. Over a span of three years, these talented youngsters will undergo specialized training guided by Drua coaches and high-performance staff, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in rugby.
The first group of recruits has been selected from fifteen local secondary schools across Fiji. Marist Brothers High School leads the way with six players chosen, while Suva Grammar School follows closely with four. Additionally, the Vodafone Deans Secondary Schools champions, Queen Victoria School, have two representatives in the Academy.
Mark Evans, CEO of Fijian Drua, emphasized that the Academy is designed to identify and cultivate rugby talent nationwide. It represents a commitment to creating sustainable pathways for young players aspiring to enter professional ranks. The program incorporates efforts from Drua Scouts, Development Coaching Staff, FRU High Performance Coaches, provincial coaches, and former Flying Fijians to ensure comprehensive talent scouting and management.
Ben Takubu, the Program Lead for the Drua Academy, shared insights about the selection process, noting that the players were scouted from the Vodafone Deans Competition. They underwent a rigorous screening process and kicked off their first two-day training camp today. The Academy aims to hone players’ natural skills while preparing them for the rigors of elite-level rugby.
Notably, the most promising players in the Academy will have opportunities to advance into the Drua Development program, bringing them closer to joining the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific squad.
The full list of selected players showcases the potential of Fiji’s youth rugby scene, highlighting the bright future for the sport in the region.
By investing in these young players, the Fijian Drua not only builds a solid foundation for the team but also inspires a new generation of athletes who could one day shine on the international stage.
Summary: The Fijian Drua has launched its Academy with 29 players under 16 years old, providing specialized training and development opportunities for aspiring rugby talents. Players are scouted from secondary schools and trained at Nadi’s world-class facilities, aiming to foster the next generation of professional rugby players.
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