The Fijian Drua has officially launched its inaugural Academy, marking a significant development in the nurturing of young rugby talent in Fiji. A total of 29 players, all under the age of 16, have signed on to be part of this first cohort. This initiative aims to provide a structured pathway for aspiring rugby players in the country.
The Academy was formed by scouting players from various secondary school competitions, with selected athletes set to gather multiple times a year at the Drua’s state-of-the-art facilities in Nadi. These young players will benefit from specialized training delivered by Drua coaches and high-performance staff as part of a comprehensive three-year development program.
The initial group is drawn from fifteen local secondary schools, highlighting the strong representation from Marist Brothers High School, which contributed six players, followed closely by Suva Grammar School with four. Notably, Queen Victoria School, the current Vodafone Deans Secondary Schools champion, has two representatives in the group.
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans commented on the significance of the Academy, stating that it is aimed at creating a sustainable pathway to professional rugby for young athletes nationwide, starting with the Under-16 category. The program includes collaboration with a range of scouts and coaches to identify and train the best talent.
Ben Takubu, the Lead of the Drua Academy Program, expressed excitement about the players’ potential, noting that they emerged from rigorous screening through the Vodafone Deans Competition. The first two-day camp is now underway, where participants will begin to refine their skills, preparing them for the expectations of elite-level rugby. Talented players who excel in the Academy will have the opportunity to transition into the Drua Development program, potentially leading to a spot on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific squad.
This initiative not only emphasizes the commitment of the Fijian Drua to foster local talent but also instills hope for the future of Fijian rugby, as young athletes are provided with the guidance and resources to pursue their dreams of playing at the highest level.
Overall, the establishment of the Academy signals a promising step towards enhancing the quality of rugby in Fiji and ensuring a bright future for both players and the sport as a whole.
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