Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday believes the recent introduction of American football to local communities marks an encouraging development for young athletes seeking diverse opportunities. A development team from NFL Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific is currently touring the country, visiting schools and conducting coaching clinics aimed at introducing the sport and fostering grassroots interest throughout the week.
Sanday pointed out that while many young aspiring rugby players dream of joining the national squad or earning professional contracts overseas, the reality is that not all will achieve those goals. He emphasized that American football, which shares various physical and tactical elements with rugby, offers an alternative route for those looking to pursue their athletic potential.
“Not everybody is a great rugby player, and not everyone will make the Flying Fijians. There may be individuals who didn’t find success in rugby but could excel in one of the greatest sports ever, American football,” said Sanday.
He acknowledged that awareness of American football in Fiji is currently limited but noted that it ranks among the highest-paying professional sports in the United States. Sanday encourages interested youth to participate in the clinics and explore the promising opportunities that this sport could provide.
This initiative not only provides a new avenue for sports engagement but also represents a significant enrichment of the local athletics landscape, demonstrating the evolving nature of sports opportunities in Fiji.
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