The Fijian Drua has officially inaugurated its Academy, welcoming 29 young talents all under the age of 16 as its inaugural participants. This new initiative aims to foster the development of rugby skills among aspiring players in Fiji.
Scouting efforts for these young athletes took place during the secondary school competitions, where they signed contracts to join the Fijian Drua. Throughout the year, they will gather regularly at the club’s state-of-the-art facilities in Nadi, participating in a comprehensive training camp. The Academy will provide them with specialized coaching from experienced Drua coaches and high-performance staff, with a structured development program planned over a three-year span.
The first cohort includes players who were selected from fifteen secondary schools across Fiji. Notably, Marist Brothers High School led the recruitment with six players, while Suva Grammar School contributed four. The esteemed Queen Victoria School, a Vodafone Deans Secondary Schools champion, also had two of its players selected for this groundbreaking program.
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “The Drua Academy is designed to identify, select, and help develop a selected pool of players nationwide, starting this year with the Under 16 category to provide a sustainable pathway to professional rugby.” The program boasts a collaborative effort involving Drua Scouts and coaches from various levels, ensuring a robust identification process for talented athletes.
Ben Takubu, the Programme Lead for the Drua Academy, highlighted the significance of the Vodafone Deans Competition in the recruitment process. He emphasized that the selected players will undergo a specialized training regimen aimed at refining their natural abilities to meet the demands of elite-level rugby before they graduate from high school. Successful participants from this Academy may also have the chance to advance to the Drua Development program, potentially leading them to a spot in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific squad.
This initiative not only marks a significant milestone for the Fijian Drua but also represents a promising future for rugby talent in Fiji, fostering a new generation of athletes who can excel on both national and international stages.
In summary, the establishment of the Fijian Drua Academy signifies a positive step towards nurturing young rugby players in Fiji, equipping them with the skills and training necessary for professional success in the sport.
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