Fiji rugby urged to strengthen tertiary pathways to keep players in the sport
Nacani Cawanibuka Snr told the Fiji Rugby Union that the sport must do more to support players who combine higher education with rugby, warning that without structured tertiary opportunities, many talented athletes drift away from the game as they pursue studies.
Speaking at the FRU Symposium, Cawanibuka said promising players who shine at secondary school often struggle to balance academics with competitive rugby, leading to the premature end of promising careers. “FRU has to look into tertiary rugby and consider players who are pursuing an education. Some very good players from secondary schools go on to further studies and fail to continue their playing career due to time management,” he said.
He also pointed out that universities are full of potential stars who aren’t being recognized or given clear, structured pathways back into rugby, and warned that many of these players drift away because there aren’t formal opportunities for them to stay connected to the sport while studying. “There are a lot of good rugby players in universities, but due to no recognition, they move away from rugby,” he noted.
Cawanibuka stressed that bridging the gap between secondary-school rugby, tertiary competitions, and professional pathways is crucial if Fiji is to maximise its player pool and secure long-term success at all levels of the game. The aim, he said, is to create a cohesive ladder that keeps the best talent in Fiji—from classrooms to the rugby field.
The push to formalize and expand educational support for players aligns with broader efforts already underway in Fiji rugby. Reports indicate the FRU has begun conversations with accredited training institutions to offer programs that prepare players for life after rugby, with clear commitments to minimize or remove cost barriers for current and former players. The move echoes high-level calls for structured educational support, including initiatives championed by leaders within the rugby community and linked programs such as the Higher Education Commission’s Life after Rugby. Advocates have argued for free access to education for past and present national representatives and greater collaboration between FRU, education providers, and sponsors to ensure athletes can pursue qualifications without sacrificing their rugby development.
There is optimism that these educational initiatives will not only equip players with essential skills but also foster a culture of lifelong learning within Fiji’s rugby community. A more formalized system of mentorship, education, and career planning could create sustainable pathways that benefit players, the sport, and the wider society they represent.
Editor’s notes and value-added context:
– This stance complements recent moves to expand Drua Academy pathways, domestic competitions (like Skipper Cup and Vanua Cup), and the establishment of a Rugby Players Association to support ongoing development.
– Free or subsidized education for current and former national players, as well as stronger recognition of rugby programs within universities, could help retain top talent and reduce attrition during studies.
– Potential challenges include funding, coordinating schedules between training, games, and classes, and ensuring that academic programs align with rugby development needs.
– Implications for policy makers: partnerships between FRU, universities, and vocational trainers, plus potential government and sponsor support, could create a more resilient talent pipeline and enhance Fiji’s long-term performance across age-grade and senior levels.
Overall, the emphasis on education-led pathways signals a hopeful shift for Fiji rugby—one that keeps talented players in the sport as they pursue higher learning, while strengthening the country’s rugby pipeline for the years ahead.
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