The Fijian Drua has proudly inaugurated its Academy, with a promising group of 29 players under the age of 16 making up its first cohort. This initiative aims to nurture young talent and create pathways toward professional rugby.
Players have been recruited from secondary schools across Fiji, with those selected being offered contracts to join the Drua Academy. The young athletes will participate in camps at the club’s state-of-the-art facilities in Nadi, where they will receive specialized training from experienced Drua coaches and high-performance staff over a three-year development program.
The inaugural group consists of players identified from fifteen local secondary schools. Notably, Marist Brothers High School contributed six players, while Suva Grammar School followed closely with four. Queen Victoria School, the champions of the Vodafone Deans Secondary Schools competition, has two representatives in the program.
Mark Evans, CEO of Fijian Drua, stated, “The Drua Academy is created to identify and develop a selected pool of players nationwide, starting this year with the Under 16 Category, to ensure a sustainable pathway to professional rugby.” He highlighted the collaborative efforts of Drua Scouts, including development coaches, FRU high-performance coaches, provincial coaches, and former Flying Fijians to select the participants.
Ben Takubu, the academy’s program lead, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the recruitment process. The players underwent a thorough screening from the Vodafone Deans Competition, and they are set to begin their first two-day camp. The program aims to refine their natural talents and prepare them for the rigorous demands of elite-level rugby before they complete high school.
Exceptional players may get the chance to advance to the Drua Development program, bringing them closer to joining the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific squad.
The selected players have an exciting journey ahead, representing schools from all over the nation and demonstrating the depth of talent within Fiji’s rugby landscape.
This initiative not only creates opportunities for young athletes but also strengthens Fiji’s rugby community, fostering the next generation of rugby stars. The commitment to player development reflects a positive outlook for the future of rugby in Fiji, with the Academy serving as a vital stepping stone for aspiring professionals.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Drua Academy symbolizes hope and growth, highlighting Fiji’s dedication to cultivating local talent for the future of rugby.
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