The Fijian Drua has officially inaugurated its Academy, welcoming 29 talented players under the age of 16 as its inaugural participants. This initiative, spearheaded by the Fijian Drua, seeks to nurture and develop young rugby talent across Fiji. The players were carefully selected from the secondary school’s rugby competitions and have signed contracts that allow them to train together several times a year at the Club’s state-of-the-art facilities in Nadi.
These young athletes will engage in a specialized training program led by Drua coaches and performance staff over the next three years. The initial cohort comprises players chosen from 15 different secondary schools nationwide, with Marist Brothers High School contributing the largest number of recruits at six players, followed by Suva Grammar School with four. Additionally, the reigning Vodafone Deans Secondary Schools champion, Queen Victoria School, has two players represented in the Academy.
Mark Evans, CEO of Fijian Drua, emphasized the Academy’s mission: to identify and foster a pool of rugby talent throughout Fiji, beginning with the Under 16 category, thereby establishing a sustainable pathway for aspiring professional rugby players. The program will involve a concerted effort in player identification, led by Drua scouts, development coaches, and established figures from the rugby community, including former Flying Fijians.
Ben Takubu, the Programme Lead, noted that the recruits were selected specifically from the Vodafone Deans Competition and underwent a thorough screening process. They are set to commence their first two-day training camp today. With focused coaching and tailored training regimens, the aim is to refine the players’ natural abilities to meet the demands of elite-level rugby by the time they finish their secondary education. Exceptional players from this Academy will have the chance to impress coaches and potentially join the Drua Development program, putting them on the cusp of joining the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific squad.
The selected players include a diverse group from various schools, showcasing the breadth of talent available in Fiji.
This initiative not only reflects the Fijian Drua’s commitment to developing local talent but also offers a hopeful future for young athletes in Fiji, providing them with opportunities to excel in rugby and reach professional levels. As the Academy progresses, it represents a significant step towards strengthening the sport’s foundations in the country and inspiring the next generation of rugby stars.
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