SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson delivered an inspiring message to the 29 young athletes who have just joined the Fijian Drua Academy’s inaugural cohort at its launch in Nadi. This Academy marks a significant step forward for Fijian rugby, targeting Under-16 players aspiring to transform their passion for rugby into a professional career while also instilling values of responsible adulthood.
Jackson emphasized the dual focus of the Academy: honing rugby skills and developing personal character. He stated, “Rugby is obviously very important. Being at this club is all about being a better person. If you are a good person and a decent rugby player, you’re going to make it.” He recognized the challenges that lie ahead in pursuing a professional rugby career but reassured these young athletes that the Drua family, including coaches, support staff, and medical teams, are committed to supporting their journey toward achieving their dreams.
Jackson highlighted this year as a vital one for both the Academy and the team’s growth in the Super Rugby competition. He expressed pride in the club’s achievements over the past three years, noting, “We want to make you as good as you can be, not only in rugby but in life.” He encouraged the young players to engage actively with their coaches, stressing the importance of curiosity and asking questions, which he believed would help prevent future regrets.
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans also spoke about the Academy’s purpose, which is to identify and nurture talent across the nation, starting with the Under-16 level. The program will involve a coordinated approach to player identification conducted by Drua Scouts, which includes development coaches, high-performance coaches from the Fiji Rugby Union, provincial coaches, and former Flying Fijians.
The Academy currently consists of 29 players representing various schools, showing a diverse pool of talent ready to embark on their rugby journey. This initiative not only paves the way for these young athletes to enter the professional rugby arena but also fosters a new generation of responsible and skilled individuals.
Overall, the launch of the Fijian Drua Academy offers a promising future for these young rugby players, showcasing the organization’s commitment to developing talent both on and off the field. The investment made in youth development today is likely to pay dividends for Fijian rugby in the years to come, creating not just skilled athletes but also exemplary members of society.
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