Ratu Kadavulevu School has garnered attention from esteemed rugby schools and clubs from around the world, including institutions from China, Japan, Wesley College in New Zealand and a prestigious club from France, eager to sign contracts with standout athletes.
Principal Ilaisa Waqalala shared with this newspaper the growing interest in RKS students being scouted for overseas opportunities.
Schools and clubs abroad are intrigued by the caliber of students coming from RKS, including their prowess both on the field and in the classroom.
Waqalala emphasised the importance of academic excellence as a key requirement for student-athletes at RKS.
“The focus on academic achievement is crucial for our student recruitment at RKS, and it is a criterion also valued by clubs looking to recruit students for both their academic and sporting achievements,” said Waqalala.
“For the U18 rugby team at RKS, preparation for competitions like the Deans tournament is rigorous and similar to other teams. The team is trained physically, mentally, and spiritually for the tournament, reflecting their dedication and hard work.”
Waqalala added that these schools and clubs have reached out to the school, and they in turn communicate directly with the parents of the players involved. These opportunities are not limited to their U18 players but also extend to talented athletes in their U15 to U19 teams.
While these engagements are strictly between the clubs and the parents, he mentioned any player wishing to take up an international rugby contract will still require clearance from the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU).
Meanwhile, six RKS players underwent a screening test with a French club at the Uprising Sports Centre in Pacific Harbour yesterday.