The Fijian Drua is celebrating the achievement of two of its academy players, Seremaia Salikoro and Sefanaia Naqama, who have been awarded scholarships to attend Tauranga Boys College in New Zealand. This initiative was made possible through a strategic partnership established between the Drua and the highly regarded school.
Salikoro, a student at Natabua High School, has received a three-year scholarship, while Naqama, who is studying at Sila Central High School in Nausori, has been granted a two-year scholarship. Both players were selected by Regan Ward, the First XV coach at Tauranga Boys College, along with Senior Rugby coordinator Aidan Kuka, who identified them as ideal candidates during their week-long visit to the Drua.
Baden Stephenson, General Manager of the Fijian Drua, expressed his enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, “The Fijian Drua are thrilled to commence our world-class partnership with Tauranga Boys College. The partnership will be a life-changing experience for our first two scholarship holders.” He emphasized the benefits the players will gain, including quality education, immersion in a different culture, and exposure to an elite rugby environment. Stephenson also assured that both players would return to the Drua after completing their studies.
Kuka echoed these sentiments, highlighting the commitment of Tauranga Boys College to support the development of young men. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to partner with the Drua and facilitate educational and rugby development for international students, underscoring the school’s mission to help ordinary boys become extraordinary men.
Both Salikoro and Naqama are set to join Tauranga Boys College before the start of the next academic year in 2025, marking an exciting chapter in their athletic and academic journeys.
This collaboration not only opens new doors for these young athletes but also strengthens the ties between Fijian rugby and educational institutions in New Zealand, fostering growth and development for future stars in the sport. Overall, this initiative represents a promising step towards nurturing talent and providing valuable opportunities for youth in sports.
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