Jone Raibevu, a rising star in the rugby world, has gained recognition for his impressive 57-meter penalty kick during the Fiji Secondary School Rugby Eastern Zone final. At just 17 years old, he is one of 28 players chosen to participate in the prestigious Fijian Drua Academy, where he will receive specialized skills-based training from experienced Drua coaches and high-performance staff over the next three years.
Raibevu, who is currently a Year 12 student at Queen Victoria School, expressed his excitement about this opportunity, stating that he never imagined his passion for rugby would lead him this far. “I never thought in my wildest dream that I would come this far in my passion for rugby; the place I would only see on television is now my reality,” he said.
With great enthusiasm, Raibevu is committed to making the most of his time in the academy. He is determined to embrace the guidance from the Drua coaches and aims to achieve his goal of joining the Fijian Drua team in the future. Additionally, he aspires to wear the Flying Fijians jersey, promising to work hard and follow the advice provided to him.
As a source of inspiration for other aspiring rugby players, Raibevu encourages his peers participating in the secondary school rugby competition to set clear goals and diligently pursue them. The first cohort of academy participants was selected from a total of 15 local secondary schools across Fiji.
This story showcases the potential for young athletes in Fiji to develop their skills and pursue their dreams. With dedicated training and support from experienced professionals, these aspiring rugby players have the opportunity to elevate their game and possibly make it to the professional level. The growth of such academies is a beacon of hope for the future of Fijian rugby, promising to nurture talent for years to come.
Leave a comment