The Fijian Drua has launched its inaugural Academy, welcoming 29 players under the age of 16 as its first cohort. This initiative aims to nurture young talent in Fijian rugby by providing a structured environment for development.
The players were scouted from various secondary school competitions and have signed contracts with the Fijian Drua. They will gather multiple times throughout the year for camps at the club’s top-notch facilities in Nadi. The Academy will offer specialized skills training led by Drua coaches and high-performance staff as part of a comprehensive three-year development program.
This inaugural group comprises talent drawn from fifteen local secondary schools, with Marist Brothers High School contributing the most players at six, followed by Suva Grammar School with four. Queen Victoria School, the Vodafone Deans Secondary Schools champions, has seen two of its representatives selected.
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans emphasized that the Academy is intended to identify and develop a select pool of players nationwide, kicking off this year with the Under 16 category. The initiative aims to create a sustainable pathway into professional rugby through coordinated efforts from Drua Scouts, development coaching staff, FRU high-performance coaches, and seasoned provincial coaches.
Ben Takubu, the Programme Lead for the Drua Academy, highlighted that the players were carefully selected from the Vodafone Deans Competition after a screening process. The first two-day training camp commenced today, where dedicated coaching will be provided to sharpen their skills and prepare them for the demands of elite-level rugby. The most promising players from the Academy will have the chance to catch the attention of coaches and potentially join the Drua Development Program, bringing them closer to a spot on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific squad.
This initiative marks a significant step for the Fijian Drua and the development of rugby in the region, promising a productive future for its aspiring athletes. By investing in the youth, the Academy aims to ensure a sustainable flow of talent into professional rugby, fostering a new generation of skilled players.
Overall, the establishment of the Fijian Drua Academy not only celebrates the sport but also reflects the commitment to building a strong future for rugby in Fiji.
Leave a comment