Koli Sewabu, the chief executive of the Fiji Rugby Union, has emphasized the importance of the upcoming pre-season match featuring the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua. This match represents a significant milestone as it will be the first time a local representative team takes on the Drua, forging stronger connections between professional and grassroots rugby in Fiji.
Sewabu expressed optimism that this endeavor will provide local players with vital opportunities to advance their skills towards a professional career. He noted the role of the Skipper XV team, which includes top players selected from domestic provincial competitions, in serving as a pathway to international representation with the Flying Fijians.
“The connection between our programs now spans from grassroots initiatives and the Skipper Cup all the way through to the Fijian Drua at Super Rugby and the national team, the FIJI Water Flying Fijians,” Sewabu stated, underscoring the comprehensive approach to developing rugby talent in the country.
The Skipper XV, composed predominantly of players who have utilized Fiji Rugby’s development frameworks such as the Elite Player Pathway and the High Performance Unit, recently convened for a training camp in Sigatoka. They will face off against the Fijian Drua on February 6th at Churchill Park in Lautoka, with the match set to kick off at 3 PM.
This event not only provides essential exposure and experience for the players involved but also enhances the visibility of grassroots talent within Fiji’s rugby community. Such initiatives play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of athletes and preserving Fiji’s esteemed rugby tradition, heralding a hopeful future for the sport in the region.