The Fijian Drua has proudly initiated its Academy, welcoming its inaugural cohort of 29 talented players, all under 16 years old. This program aims to nurture and develop the skills of these young athletes, an essential step in the club’s mission to cultivate future rugby stars in Fiji.
Scouting efforts have focused on the secondary school competition, with the players contracted to the Fijian Drua. They will regularly attend training camps held at the club’s state-of-the-art facilities in Nadi. These sessions will feature specialized skills training delivered by Drua coaches and high-performance staff, forming a comprehensive development program that spans three years.
This first group of budding athletes is drawn from fifteen local schools, with Marist Brothers High School contributing six players, followed by Suva Grammar School with four. Queen Victoria School, the Vodafone Deans Secondary Schools champion, has two players in this talented lineup.
Mark Evans, CEO of Fijian Drua, emphasized the Academy’s goal: “The Drua Academy is designed to identify, select and help develop a talented pool of players nationwide, starting this year with the Under 16 Category to provide a sustainable pathway to professional rugby.” He noted that this initiative involves a coordinated approach to player identification, engaging scouts, coaches, and former Flying Fijians to ensure comprehensive support for these young athletes.
Ben Takubu, Programme Lead of the Drua Academy, expressed excitement about the players’ recruitment from the Vodafone Deans Competition. He highlighted the rigorous two-day camp they will begin and the tailored training programs designed to refine their natural abilities, equipping them for the demanding nature of elite-level rugby. The ultimate goal is to prepare these players for opportunities to join the Drua Development program and potentially secure a place in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific squad.
This initiative represents a significant step in fostering rugby talent in Fiji and ensuring a bright future for the sport in the country. With the right guidance and support, these young players hold the potential to make a remarkable impact on the rugby scene.
In summary, the launch of the Fijian Drua Academy is a positive development for rugby in Fiji, providing young athletes with the tools and pathway needed to reach their full potential.
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