The Fiji Rugby League is set to establish its own academy, as announced by Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata. In an interview, Kativerata discussed the significance of rugby league’s 32-year history in Fiji and shared plans for the new academy, which will cater to both boys and girls aged 15 and older.
“We’re going to start our own Fiji Rugby League Academy here,” Kativerata said, emphasizing the development pathways already in place with NRL clubs. “If they perform well in the local competition, it’s just one step to the top and onto the NRL clubs from Fiji.”
He outlined a comprehensive plan for the next four to five years, expressing the need to remain dedicated to it. A major focus of the Fiji Bati team’s preparations for the Pacific Championships is to extend rugby league’s influence into local communities at the grassroots level. Kativerata aims to inspire the younger generation to engage with the sport and possibly represent Fiji as future Fiji Bati or Bulikula players.
“Rugby league will provide them with similar opportunities as rugby; not everyone can wear the Drua jersey, but there are NRL clubs available for them,” he noted.
In addition, Kativerata mentioned that the championship would offer fans a fortnight of exciting games featuring both men’s and women’s teams. The Bati are scheduled to face the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in Suva on October 19.