Provincial teams in the country should establish relationships with top French clubs, says Clermont agent and Nadroga Rugby’s technical advisor Franck Boivert.

Speaking to SUNsports, he said, this is one of the ways to develop rugby in the country.

Boivert highlighted that Nadroga Rugby Union is today reaping the benefits of their relationship with Clermont.

“Other provincial teams should get attached with other professional clubs in France to get first-class assistance in rugby coaching and techniques,” he said.

“This is a great way to get technical assistance and to get a proper pathway for young players. This is because a lot of our young players don’t get proper coaching so by getting attached to bigger clubs it can help improve their game.”

The partnership between Clermont and Nadroga Rugby has opened new opportunities for talented players in the province.

The partnership started in 2011 and not only has it benefitted the province for Nadroga/ Navosa but for Fiji Rugby as a whole.

Boivert said the development of these young players will help them get employment to support their families and become a better player.

“When these young players are considered as French players their value in monetary terms is doubled. For example, Peceli Yato is one of the best players in the world. He got there through this pathway so as Seta Tuicuvu who is one of the best full-backs in the French Top 14.”

Boivert added that French Rugby has a regulation that it’s compulsory for young players to get into the club systems.

“This is a new regulation in France right now that if a player is young enough to join a French development programme. After three years if he follows the education system which is quite tough because they have to attend French classes, they are considered as France players but they must have professional education.

“So now the clubs are not really interested in senior players unless it is a big star like Semi Radradra.

“Some of the players and coaches have been given the scholarship to study and play there so Fiji Rugby has benefited a lot.”

Boivert said in France they believe in recruiting very young players and introduce them to their pathways and are considered as French players.

“We have sent some of our coaches and trainers to France to learn some new knowledge about coaching and I go there every year to learn some new techniques that will improve my coaching,” he added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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