International scouts circle Fiji’s Ratu Kadavulevu School as six players undergo French club screening
Ratu Kadavulevu School is drawing significant international attention, with scouts from China, Japan, Wesley College in New Zealand, and a French club expressing keen interest in the school’s standout rugby talents. The drive to recruit among RKS students reflects a growing trend of overseas opportunities for Fiji’s young players, both on the field and in the classroom.
School leadership emphasized that academics remain a non-negotiable criterion for student-athletes. Principal Ilaisa Waqalala said the focus on academic achievement is crucial for recruitment, noting that clubs seek recruits who excel in both studies and sport. He explained that the U18 Deans Trophy program is prepared for with a holistic approach—physically, mentally, and spiritually—demonstrating the school’s commitment to well-rounded development.
Engagements with overseas clubs are coordinated directly with families, with the understanding that any contract would require clearance from the Fiji Rugby Union. Waqalala stressed that while opportunities are open across age groups—from U15 to U19—transparency and federation approval remain essential.
In a concrete development, six RKS players underwent a screening with a French club at the Uprising Sports Centre in Pacific Harbour yesterday. The screening underscores the school’s ongoing track record of producing talent that travels abroad, a pathway that has seen several RKS graduates secure overseas contracts since 2022. This expansion of opportunities comes as part of a broader Deans Trophy pipeline, which has historically seen RKS players move on to clubs in Japan, New Zealand, and Australia, and as the school continues to participate in high-profile events that showcase Fiji’s rugby talent to a global audience.
Context from recent years shows that RKS has repeatedly leveraged international exposure to boost its players’ prospects. The school has previously taken teams to Japan for competitions to highlight Fiji’s youth talent, and the Deans Trophy landscape has featured multiple RKS graduates earning overseas contracts. Their recent Deans Trophy success, including age-group titles, reinforces the strength of the program and the depth of talent across U15 to U18.
As part of the broader narrative, Fiji’s rugby development continues to rely on robust pathways that combine elite competition, academic emphasis, and parental involvement, with federation oversight ensuring player welfare and proper contracting channels.
What this means for young players and Fiji rugby
– Strong overseas pathways are becoming more established for Fiji’s youth players, backed by sustained interest from international clubs.
– The emphasis on academics helps ensure players pursue education alongside sport, maintaining a balanced development track.
– Rugby at RKS remains a powerful pipeline, supported by a history of Deans Trophy success and alumni involvement, including participation in international events.
Summary and outlook
The recent screening of six RKS players by a French club at Pacific Harbour, alongside ongoing global interest, signals a promising chapter for Fiji’s youth rugby. With a proven track record since 2022 of players securing overseas contracts and a continued emphasis on academics and holistic training, RKS remains a leading producer of Fiji’s rugby talent and a model for how school programs can connect local excellence with international opportunities. Positive momentum in pathways and development bodes well for the sport’s future in Fiji.
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