The Fijian Drua has officially established its Academy, marking a significant milestone in youth rugby development in Fiji. The Academy’s inaugural cohort comprises 29 talented athletes under the age of 16, who were scouted from various secondary school competitions across the nation.
Players are selected through a meticulous scouting process that involves evaluation during the secondary schools’ competition. Once identified, these young athletes sign a contract with the Fijian Drua and gather several times a year at the club’s top-notch training facilities in Nadi.
Each participant will engage in specialized skills training with Drua coaches and high-performance staff as part of a comprehensive three-year development program. The initial group of players has been recruited from 15 local secondary schools. Notably, Marist Brothers High School contributed the largest number of recruits, with six players, followed closely by Suva Grammar School, which has provided four players. Additionally, the reigning Vodafone Deans Secondary Schools champions, Queen Victoria School, have two representatives in the program.
Mark Evans, CEO of Fijian Drua, stated that the Academy aims to “identify, select and help develop a pool of players nationwide,” starting with the Under 16 category, thus laying a foundation for a sustainable pathway to professional rugby. The program is coordinated by a team of scouts, including Drua Development Coaching Staff, Fiji Rugby Union high-performance coaches, and provincial coaches, alongside former Fijian national players.
Ben Takubu, the lead of the Drua Academy Program, emphasized that the recruits were selected from the Vodafone Deans Competition and have now embarked on their journey with a two-day training camp. The Academy provides structured coaching and tailored training for each player, aiming to refine their skills to meet the demands of elite-level rugby by the time they complete high school. The prospects for these young athletes are promising, as those who excel within the program will have the chance to progress to the Drua Development program, bringing them closer to being part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific squad.
The selected players list highlights the breadth of talent across various schools, showcasing the future of Fijian rugby.
This academy not only represents a step forward in nurturing local talent but also signifies a commitment to the growth of rugby in Fiji. With dedicated support and training, these young athletes have the potential to reach new heights in the sport, ensuring that the passion for rugby continues to thrive in the region. The Academy can serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring future generations of players eager to follow in their footsteps and contribute to the rich rugby legacy of Fiji.
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