The Fijian Drua has officially inaugurated its Academy, marking a significant milestone in youth rugby development in Fiji. The inaugural cohort consists of 29 players, all under the age of 16, who will embark on a three-year program focused on specialized skills training and personal development.
This initiative is part of the Fijian Drua’s commitment to fostering young talent scouted from the secondary school competition across the country. The Academy will operate out of Nadi, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and providing a comprehensive training environment where players can enhance their skills and prepare for a potential career in professional rugby.
The first group of selected players comes from 15 secondary schools, with notable representation from Marist Brothers High School, contributing six players, and Suva Grammar School, which has four. Additionally, the Vodafone Deans Secondary Schools champion, Queen Victoria School, has seen two of its players make the cut.
Mark Evans, CEO of Fijian Drua, emphasized that the Academy is designed to create a sustainable pathway for aspiring rugby players in Fiji. He highlighted the collaborative effort involved, with the program supported by Drua scouts, high-performance coaches from the Fiji Rugby Union, provincial coaches, and former national players.
Ben Takubu, the Program Lead, shared insights about the selection process and the importance of individualized coaching. As a result of this rigorous development program, young athletes will learn to refine their innate abilities while adapting to the high standards required in elite-level rugby.
The top performers from this Academy will have the chance to join the Drua Development program, bringing them closer to the opportunity to be part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific squad.
This initiative not only showcases the Fijian Drua’s commitment to nurturing local talent but also represents a hopeful future for rugby in Fiji, providing young athletes with the resources and guidance they need to excel in their sport. This is a positive development for fans of rugby, as it indicates a strong future generation ready to take the sport to new heights.
In summary, the launch of the Fijian Drua Academy is a promising step towards building a solid foundation for youth rugby, allowing young players to develop their skills and pursue professional opportunities in the sport.
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