The Fijian Drua has officially launched its inaugural Academy, enrolling 29 talented players under the age of 16 as its first cohort. This initiative stems from the Fijian Drua’s commitment to developing local rugby talent.
The academy selects players from secondary school competitions across Fiji, where they sign contracts with the Drua. These young athletes will gather several times a year for training camps at the club’s state-of-the-art facilities located in Nadi. Over the span of three years, they will receive tailored skill training from Drua coaches and high-performance staff as part of a comprehensive development program.
The inaugural group of players has been chosen from 15 different local secondary schools, with the highest representation coming from Marist Brothers High School, which boasts six players. Suva Grammar School follows closely behind with four recruits, while Queen Victoria School, the reigning Vodafone Deans Secondary Schools champion, has contributed two players to the roster.
Mark Evans, the CEO of Fijian Drua, emphasized that the academy aims to discover and nurture talent across the nation, focusing on the Under 16 category this year to create a sustainable pathway into professional rugby.
Ben Takubu, the lead for the Drua Academy program, mentioned that the young athletes were identified through the Vodafone Deans Competition and underwent a screening process prior to starting their first two-day camp. The program is designed to refine the natural abilities of these players and prepare them for the rigorous demands of elite-level rugby by the time they graduate from high school.
Players who excel in this academy will have opportunities to impress coaches and potentially join the Drua Development program, bringing them a step closer to becoming part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific squad.
This initiative not only provides promising young athletes with the resources and expertise needed to refine their skills but also strengthens Fiji’s rugby future by creating a robust pipeline of emerging talent. News of this academy brings hope for a brighter future for rugby in Fiji, highlighting the country’s commitment to sporting excellence and the development of the next generation of players.
The selected players are:
1. Viliame Daurua – Suva Grammar School
2. Sesoni Tamani – Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School
3. Ravuama Kunahau – Ba Pro Free Bird Institute
4. Alivereti Susau – Suva Grammar School
5. Daris Khan – Ratu Sukuna Memorial School
6. Christian Oakley – Marist Brothers High School
7. Sowane Baravilala – Levuka Public School
8. Seremaia Salikoro – Natabua High School
9. Donald Radiva – Ratu Navula College
10. Viliame Bale – Labasa College
11. Jone Niumataiwalu – Queen Victoria School
12. Eremasi Nasilasila – Marist Brothers High School
13. Paula Tuvalo – Ba Pro Free Bird Institute
14. Rafaele Waqalala – Swami Vivekananda College
15. Isoa Bakeidaku – Labasa Sangam (SKM) College
16. Joshua Tawake – Suva Grammar School
17. Peni Nakarawa – Sila Central High School
18. Usaia Saumi – Marist Brothers High School
19. Asi Fuli – Marist Brothers High School
20. Emosi Vucago – Cuvu College
21. Saula Koroi – Suva Grammar School
22. Sefanaia Naqama – Sila Central High School
23. Alifereti Raka – Queen Victoria School
24. Solomoni Senikuraciri – Niusawa Methodist High School (Taveuni)
25. Timoci Nagusa Jnr – Marist Brothers High School
26. Vatemosi Ravonu – Ratu Kadavulevu School
27. Jone Raibevu – Queen Victoria School
28. Aporosa Lalabalavu – Marist Brothers High School
29. Epeli Rabaka – No.8 – Marist Brothers High School
This development not only encourages youth participation in sports but also fosters a sense of community and pride in Fijian rugby heritage.
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