WE are at an exciting part of our evolution as a rugby nation. I think we must keep our patience around our growth and keep growing. The future of Fiji rugby is exciting, but there needs to be patience around player growth. This was according to FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne after witnessing the Vodafone Super Deans from the quarter-finals, semis and finals last weekend.

Basing his comments on the two Deans semi-finals between Cuvu College and Nasinu Secondary School as well as Queen Victoria School against Ratu Navula College, Byrne said with time, development, and patience, those players would be exciting prospects for Fiji rugby soon.

“Some of those young men are just unbelievable,” he said.

“Our 20s this year didn’t have the success they needed to have and when you look at Deans, our 20s team in two years time is going to be a very special team based on what was going on with just four teams.”

Some of these players are said to have been scouted to join the Fijian Drua Academy and a few for their development squad.

“We are at an exciting part of our evolution as a rugby nation, I think we must keep our patience around our growth and keep growing.

“I think the Drua have done a great job working with Fiji Rugby. The Drua have created this academy level now which is going to be great for Fiji rugby as well,” said the former Drua mentor.

This is a crucial step for Fiji Rugby in general as most rising and budding rugby players leave the country for greener pastures at the age of 18 and 19.

“This is the age that players leave the country, they leave after Deans or in the last year of school.

“So, if we can keep some of that talent on the island through the academy process in the Drua program and keep those players here, then they will be available for Fiji,” Byrne said.

Lami High School U19 players including number eight Isoa Laulaba and fullback Ro Mocelutu Macanawai have been approached to join the Fijian Drua development squad.