A total of 20 coaches are being trained to help in the development of rugby in the country.

Organised by Oceania Rugby in partnership with Fiji Rugby Union, 13 females and seven males are part of the week-long Get Into Rugby Plus (GIR PLUS) coaches programme which ended at the Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi yesterday.

Trainer Oripa Lee who was among the participants in the first program said: “The programme is designed to shift attitudes and beliefs around gender, power, violence and respectful relationships, to challenge gender stereotypes, contribute to reducing violence against women and girls.”

Respect, Integrity 

FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor said: “Rugby is founded on the values of respect, integrity, passion, solidarity, and discipline. It is very important for our society and for all our stakeholders to live by these values not only for the growth of the game but also for those who are part of the game. Having these foundations set from an early age will benefit not only our players but our communities as well.”

Droya happy 

Among the participants is Inoke Droya, a final semester student at the University of the South Pacific.

He is undertaking the Bachelor of Arts majoring in social work and physiology he has also completed his attachment with the FRU development unit.

“Physiology is all about society and people. the relation of what I have seen with the life skill training basically is about rugby as a vehicle to go to the community and look into issues in the community especially violence against women and children,” he said.

The Naitasiri native urged all social work students who are servicing the people to come and be part of the training.

“This is the best opportunity. It is very meticulous, very informative, and programmatic focuses on the social workers to use the tools learned here and serve the community where they are,” Droya said.

Life Skill 

At the end of the one-week training, these coaches should be able to deliver programmes in a safe, positive, dynamic, and fun sporting experience through tag rugby and impactful life skill learning.

This is the fourth time training as such has been conducted since the implementation of the programme in 2018.

Edited by Osea Bola

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