The Fijian Drua has officially initiated its Academy, welcoming 29 talented players under the age of 16 as its inaugural cohort. This innovative program, a brainchild of the Fijian Drua, aims to nurture young rugby talent in Fiji.
These promising athletes have been scouted from secondary school competitions and will participate in contractual agreements with the Fijian Drua. They will have the opportunity to gather multiple times a year for training camps at the Club’s exceptional facilities located in Nadi.
The Academy will provide specialized, skills-focused training delivered by Drua coaches and high-performance staff over a duration of three years. The first group of selected players was chosen from fifteen local secondary schools across the nation, with Marist Brothers High School leading the pack with six recruits, followed by Suva Grammar School, which had four players chosen. Additionally, Queen Victoria School, the reigning champion of the Vodafone Deans Secondary Schools, contributed two players to the program.
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Drua Academy is designed to identify, select, and aid in developing a selected pool of players nationwide, starting this year with the Under 16 Category, to ensure a sustainable pathway to professional rugby.”
Ben Takubu, the Programme Lead for the Drua Academy, explained that the players were primarily recruited from the Vodafone Deans Competition and have undergone a rigorous screening process. They are now beginning their inaugural two-day training camp. The program focuses on not only enhancing their technical skills but also preparing them for the demands of elite-level rugby by the time they graduate from high school.
Moreover, the most exceptional talents rising from this Academy will have the chance to advance into the Drua Development program, paving their way toward potentially joining the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific squad.
The future looks bright for these young athletes as they embark on their journey toward professional rugby, showcasing the Fijian commitment to fostering sports talent and ensuring a vibrant rugby culture in the country.
In summary, the launch of the Fijian Drua Academy marks a significant milestone in the development of young rugby players in Fiji, offering them a structured pathway to professional opportunities while cultivating their skills and passion for the game. This initiative not only strengthens the foundation of rugby in Fiji but also contributes to the nation’s legacy in the sport.
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