Students of Nawaka District School in Nadi received a lively surprise yesterday when members of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua visited the school to conduct a rugby clinic.
Nawaka, known for producing rugby players who have gone on to stamp their mark on the rugby field, was filled with the cheers and laughter of students as they participated in the clinic.
Nawaka District School principal Rofin Riyaz Ali said the visit by the Fijian Drua would serve as a huge boost for the students since majority of them were from rugby households.
“Many of these students come from families where everybody plays rugby. Just being able to have their rugby icons come to visit is a dream come true for most of them,” Ali said.
The students were taken through rugby drills such as passing, and displaying defence and attack skills.
“We have a few students here who are very talented players and are certainly on the path to one day representing the country and donning the white jersey,” Ali added.
“It is indeed an honour to have the Fijian Drua here with us today and I thank them and their officials for choosing our school.”
Nawaka has produced renowned rugby players among the likes of the Naevo brothers (Semisi and Apisai) and Fijian Drua captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi.
Fijian Drua prop Haereiti Hetet said he was overwhelmed to see the students’ excitement towards the rugby clinic and felt honoured to be in a school where rugby greats were produced.
“The energy from these students towards rugby is just phenomenal,” the 26-year-old said.
Hetet, who is also a Flying Fijian with two international caps to his name, said if he had been exposed to such clinics during his primary school years, he believes he would have been playing professional rugby earlier on in his life.
“I just really enjoy seeing these kids have fun and learn all they can from us, people who they look up to and aspire to be like.”
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will face the Western Force for their final pre-season trial match tomorrow.
The Drua face Moana Pacifika in their first match of Shop N Save Super Rugby competition at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand next Saturday.
