Suva Grammar School’s Under-16 openside flanker, George Lagakali, is experiencing firsthand the challenging leap from school-level rugby to training with the Fijian Drua Academy. Lagakali is one of 56 young hopefuls competing for a spot in the Academy’s top 30 under-16 squad, a vital stepping stone towards a potential career in professional rugby and representing Fiji at national and international levels.
Lagakali acknowledges the intensity of the training sessions at the Drua HQ compared to school practices, emphasizing the rigorous standards expected at the academy. He expresses gratitude towards the selection committee for this opportunity, recognizing it as a critical milestone in his aspiration to play Super Rugby and don the national colors.
The Drua Academy is in the process of narrowing down its selection from over 250 initial players to finalize both the under-16 and under-17 groups. Ultimately, only the top 30 from each age category will be contracted under the Drua Academy Programme for 2025–2026.
The Fijian Drua Academy’s endeavor is part of a broader commitment to cultivate local Fijian rugby talent, providing a structured pathway to professional rugby. The academy draws its talent pool from local secondary school competitions, with players undergo intensive, tailored training sessions aimed at enhancing their natural skills. This initiative represents a promising future for rugby in Fiji, highlighting the nation’s dedication to nurturing homegrown sports talent and ensuring a steady pipeline of players ready to perform on bigger stages, such as the Super Rugby Pacific.
This rigorous development program confirms Fiji’s ongoing investment in its rugby future, fostering not only individual player growth but also reinforcing the nation’s sporting legacy. By offering aspiring young athletes these opportunities, the program nurtures the dream of participating in elite rugby, inspiring players like Lagakali to achieve their ambitions. Such initiatives contribute significantly to the vibrant rugby culture within Fiji, reinforcing the island’s presence in the global rugby community while preparing its youth for professional challenges ahead.