Fifty-seven rugby players from various zones in Fiji participated in a two-day screening event at the Fijian Drua’s facility in Nadi this week. Out of these players, only 30 will be selected for the inaugural Drua Academy cohort.
Ben Takubu, the program lead for the Drua Academy, explained that the screening involved various coaches, including former Flying Fijians players, and was conducted in collaboration with the Drua’s high-performance unit coaches, Naca Cawanibuka and Eroni Sotutu.
“We have actively recruited from the Fiji Secondary Schools zones, including players from the northern, southern, and western divisions,” Takubu noted. The academy aims to nurture local talent and minimize the likelihood of players being lured overseas.
The initiative targets players aged 18 and younger, which is a critical period when many talented individuals often leave the country for opportunities abroad. “Essentially, the academy is focused on developing skills and helping contract players under 18 from their respective schools,” Takubu commented. “We are fortunate to have these young athletes and are eager to see the outcomes of this program.”
The players also had the opportunity to observe the FIJI Water Flying Fijians training at the facility. The final 30 athletes chosen will receive contracts from the Drua.