BACK to School has an all new meaning for some players in Ba this term. They had dropped out of school altogether two or three years ago and have now returned to join their teammates in the Ba Rugby Academy.
“Education remains a strong pillar for the Ba Rugby Union,” secretary Gaby Kautoga explained. “We want to ensure our best young players not only get the specialist coaching and nurturing to take them to the next level, but we also need them to complete their schooling with good grades.”
Of the 30 players selected at the end of last year for the Ba Rugby Academy, eight had already dropped out of school.
“These eight players have all since re-enrolled in school and we’re helping them to adjust to their new situations.”
“For some of them, it’s quite a big step and nerves were on show last week.”
Together with Ba Methodist High School, the BRU has helped the academy players with their uniforms, books, equipment and even their ties.
“Some of them hadn’t worn a tie for many years, so I had to help them with that on the first day,” Talatala joked. “It’s good to see the enthusiasm in their eyes. They know that in order to remain in the Ba Rugby Academy, they need to get good passes at school.”
Loose forward Isimeli Katonivere hails from Nasivikoso, a village in the Magodro mountains, more than two hours off-road from Ba Town.
“I was at Ba Provincial High School until 2023, and since then I’ve just been helping my Dad on the farm at home,” Katonivere said as he prepared to move into the dormitory at Ba Methodist.
“I’m really excited to get this fresh start and another chance to pursue my dreams.”
“Dad held a special feast for me at home to celebrate my selection into the Ba Rugby Academy. This programme also gives me the chance to finish my schooling, so I’m very grateful.”
For Talatala Gaby, the goals aren’t just rugby and education, it goes deeper.
“This is the most important time in the lives of these young people,” he said. “It can be so easy for them to get into bad habits and fall by the wayside.”
“Now more than ever, they need guidance from their teachers and coaches, and good role models to follow.”
“Yes, rugby is a sport, but it can be so much more than that. When used well, it can literally change people’s lives.”
