The Fiji Rugby Union is working to ensure that budding age-grade rugby players in the school system are not lost along with the Dean’s Trophy competition.

This has been a major drawback for Fijian rugby over the past decades when only a handful of players continue playing rugby after graduating from secondary school.

FRU operations manager, Sale Sorovaki, highlighted that while the secondary school competition remained a key component of the development of the sport, many see it as the only competition.

“The Fiji Secondary Schools is a key stakeholder in rugby development in Fiji,” he said.

“The Deans competition has been around for a long time, but it is only the beginning of a player’s journey. I know some treat it as if it is the only ultimate goal and competition available.

“The competition is exciting and creates a lot of stars, but, unfortunately for some, their rugby just ends there. In this professional era, there is a huge demand. Players need to be at their 100 per cent every season.”

With that in mind, FRU’s high-performance unit has established close working relations with the secondary schools union to ensure that identified talents continue their development towards higher honours.

“The last few years, FRU through the assistance of the FSSRU have begun to identify talented players from the under-14 grade and keep them informed about latest training techniques and methods,” the former national backline utility said.

“This programme has been ongoing now for the last four years.”

Some of the graduates of the programme who have gone to play at the provincial level and international stage in recent years include, Veramu Dikidikilati, Tira Patterson, Simione Kuruvoli, Epeli Momo, Luke Tagi, Temo Mayanavanua, Peni Matawalu, Vilimoni Botitu, Tevita Ikanivere, Osea Waqa, Chris Minimbi, Kaminieli Rasaku among others.

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