Fiji Rugby expands global pathways for talented young players

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is seeking various pathways in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe to support the next generation of Fijian rugby players abroad.

Koli Sewabu, FRU’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, says that the Fijian Drua and the High-Performance Unit (HPU) alone are insufficient to meet the growth ambitions for Fijian rugby.

During the official launch of the Aotearoa Viti Rugby Development Trust in Auckland last week, Sewabu says that without a clear pathway, many talented players might be overlooked or lost within systems that do not fully recognise their unique potential.

“We're looking to sign an MOU with you in the near future and form a group so that we can start looking at how we can assist each other in supporting our young men and women to achieve their dreams,” Sewabu told PMN Fiji.

“I know there's a lot of work that needs to be done. We're wanting to engage with organisations like yours that's already established, that's organised and structured so that we can work together.”

FRU is engaged in discussions with established organisations in Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales - Australia - and has also contacted counterparts in the United Kingdom.

“We’ve sort of come to realise that Drua and the High Performance Unit in Fiji alone will not be able to cater for the growth that we want to get into,” Sewabu says.

“Forming relationships such as yours is really crucial for our development. So with those few words, you know, it is a call to action.”

The AVRD Trust, founded by former Fijian rugby player Alfred Uluinayau, aims to nurture and develop Fijian youth into skilled, disciplined, and well-rounded rugby players and professionals.

FRU Interim CEO Koli Sewabu handing over the Certificate of Recognition to Aotearoa Viti Rugby Development Trust Chair Sai Lealea. Photo/Sai Lealea

The Trust runs the New Zealand Fiji Schools Rugby Sevens programme, which provides a platform for Fijian schoolboys and girls in Aotearoa to showcase their talents on the national stage.

At the launch event, Sewabu endorsed the programme as an officially recognised pathway, serving as a bridge between raw talent and national representation for young Fijian players.

“So this is not just about developing players. As we've heard, it's about strengthening Fiji's rugby in the future,” he says.

“By endorsing this programme, we're sending a powerful message that Fiji rugby sees you, Fiji rugby supports you, and Fiji rugby wants you.”

The NZ Fiji Schools Rugby Sevens Programme is a pathway for NZ-based Fijian school boys and girls to showcase their talent on the national stage. Photo/Facebook/NZ Fiji Schools Rugby Sevens

Sewabu is excited about the programme's evolution since its inception in 2016, saying that more than 30 players, including Fijian Drua representatives Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Meli Derenalgi, and Selestino Ravutaumada.

While presenting a Certificate of Recognition to Sai Lealea, the chairman of the AVRD Trust, Sewabu encouraged young Fijian rugby talents to take advantage of the pathway and called for support for the programme.

“You know, this is your chance. Dream big, work hard and know that Fiji rugby is behind you,” he says.

“To our families here and our communities, your support is the foundation of their success. Together, we are building, we are going to build something extraordinary.

“So let us unite in this mission for the love of the game, for the pride of our nation and for the future of Fijian rugby.”

Lealea says part of the collaboration with the FRU will focus on better managing rugby contracts for Fijians playing in various clubs in New Zealand.

He told PMN News that rugby talents who have completed their contracts or experienced falling out have not received proper support for decades.

The collaboration with FRU will also see the better management, welfare, and contracts for Fijians playing in various clubs in NZ. Photo/Facebook

“So part of the task is to make sure we can work alongside the Fiji Rugby Union, as well as those who want to use or access young people in Fiji to come over to talk and discuss the arrangements," Lealea says.

“The sad side to this is, when people don't have the support, they really fall over and they really have to fend for themselves.

“Either some of them return to Fiji and some of them have to do things that's totally out of character. The priority must be to stay.”