SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson has a clear message for the 29 young athletes who have just joined the club’s first-ever Fijian Drua Academy cohort.
Speaking at the Academy launch in Nadi, Jackson highlighted the significance of this milestone for Fijian rugby, as the Under-16 players signed on as part of the Academy’s inaugural group.
This program, driven by the Fijian Drua, aims to nurture young talent and guide them toward becoming professional rugby players and, importantly, responsible young adults.
“Rugby is obviously very important. Being at this club is all about being a better person. If you are a good person and a decent rugby player, you’re going to make it.
“It’s very difficult to be a professional rugby player, but we’re here to try and help you achieve that goal of yours,” Jackson said.
Acknowledging the challenges of professional rugby, Jackson reassured the young players that the Drua family, coaches, support staff, and medical team are dedicated to helping them reach their full potential.
He emphasized that this year would be pivotal, both for the Academy and the Drua’s growth in the Super Rugby competition, where the club has rapidly risen despite only three years in the league.
“It’s very difficult to be a professional rugby player, but we’re here to try and help you achieve that goal of yours. As a club, we’re very proud of what we’ve done so far in this Super Rugby competition.
“We’re very new. We’ve only had three years in this competition, as you well know this is going to be the big year for us.
“We want to make you be as good as you can be, not only in rugby, but in life, and whatever we can do to achieve that, we’re here to help you, not only the guys that are helping you, in terms of scouting, but us as coaches.”
He encouraged the boys to engage actively, urging them to ask questions and stay curious.
“As men, always ask questions. Too often, as Fijians, I know we’re very happy just to say nothing, if you don’t ask questions, boys, you’ll have regrets.”
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans explained the Drua Academy is designed to identify, select and help develop selected pool of players nationwide starting this year with the Under 16 Category to provide a sustainable pathway to professional rugby.
“The program includes coordinated player identification by Drua Scouts consisting of Drua Development Coaching Staff, FRU High Performance Coaches, provincial coaches and former Flying Fijians,” Evans said.
29 Academy squad:
1. Viliame Daurua- Suva Grammar School 2.Sesoni Tamani- Mahatma Ghandi Memorial School ,3.Ravuama Kunahau- Ba Pro Free Bird Institute,4. Alivereti Susau- Suva Grammar School,5.Daris Khan- Ratu Sukuna Memorial School,6.Christian Oakley- Marist Brothers High School ,7.Sowane Baravilala- Levuka Public School ,8.Seremaia Salikoro- Natabua High School, 9.Donald Radiva- Ratu Navula College, 10.Viliame Bale- Labasa College 11.Jone Niumataiwalu- Queen Victoria School, 12. Eremasi Nasilasila- Marist Brothers High School , 13.Paula Tuvalo- Ba Pro Free Bird Institute ,14. Rafaele Waqalala- Swami Vivekananda College,15.Isoa Bakeidaku- Labasa Sangam (SKM) College, 16. Joshua Tawake- Suva Grammar School ,17. Peni Nakarawa- Sila Central High School 18.Usaia Saumi- Marist Brothers High School, 19.Asi Fuli- Marist Brothers High School, 20.Emosi Vucago- Cuvu College, 21.Saula Koroi- Suva Grammar School, 22.Sefanaia Naqama- Sila Central High School ,23.Alifereti Raka- Queen Victoria School , 24.Solomoni Senikuraciri- Niusawa Methodist High School (Taveuni), 25.Timoci Nagusa Jnr- Marist Brothers High School ,26.Vatemosi Ravonu-Ratu Kadavulevu School ,27. Jone Raibevu- Queen Victoria School ,28.Aporosa Lalabalavu- Marist Brothers High School ,29. Epeli Rabaka – No.8 – Marist Brothers High Sch
