TEAMS
Tavanavanua counsels Academy players to'make the most of it'
01 October, 2008
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua advised the 2008-09 FRU High Performance Unit Academy players to make the most of the opportunity presented to them during the welcome ceremony Wednesday at the Peninsula Hotel.
“Out of the more than a thousand young adults in the country that play rugby, you have been chosen because you have the talent and because you are the future of Fiji Rugby.”
“You have been invited to the Academy by FRU with the viewpoint that you will don the white jersey in the near future. If that is not your ultimate goal then I must remind you to set your priorities right.”
Tavanavanua said that he has no doubt a core of the players in the Academy will make their mark and get the nod for a place in the Flying Fijians squad to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in Wales.
“The very people that are working with you here are the very people who will oversee the Flying Fijians come 2011,” Tavanavanua said. “If you do your part well between now and then, I have no reason to doubt that come 2011 some of you will be wearing the white jersey.”
“This is the starting point so I hope you will make the most of it to develop and better your knowledge of the sport.”
He also mentioned the likes of Waisea Luveniyali, Riupeni Nasiga, Gabriel Lovobalavu, Iliesa Keresoni and Fiji’s No 1 referee James Bolabiu who were groomed in the Academy, played for Fiji and are now making names for themselves for reputable clubs overseas, saying he hoped the Academy players will follow suit.
“These are players who went through the Academy; they represented Fiji in 7s, XVs and the Fiji representative teams and they have gone further to secure for themselves contracts with top overseas clubs. And I hope all of you have that in mind...the goal to represent in Fiji and further your rugby career.”
HPU logistics manager Semi Rogoyawa echoed similar sentiments and urged the boys to feel free to ask for guidance from the coaches, managers, trainers and even their fellow Academy mates when they are in need.
“You are all here because you want to become movers and shakers of Fiji Rugby in future. I urge you to make this happen by making use of this opportunity, tap into new resources, the benefits will follow you forever,” Rogoyawa said.
“I imagine some of you arrived knowing exactly what you want to do and intend to focus on that. I think that’s great. But I also encourage you to be open to new ideas and experiences and directions that will help you reach your ultimate rugby goals.”
01 October, 2008
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| 2008-09 Academy Players with the team management and the Fiji Rugby Union CEO Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua. |
“Out of the more than a thousand young adults in the country that play rugby, you have been chosen because you have the talent and because you are the future of Fiji Rugby.”
“You have been invited to the Academy by FRU with the viewpoint that you will don the white jersey in the near future. If that is not your ultimate goal then I must remind you to set your priorities right.”
Tavanavanua said that he has no doubt a core of the players in the Academy will make their mark and get the nod for a place in the Flying Fijians squad to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in Wales.
“The very people that are working with you here are the very people who will oversee the Flying Fijians come 2011,” Tavanavanua said. “If you do your part well between now and then, I have no reason to doubt that come 2011 some of you will be wearing the white jersey.”
“This is the starting point so I hope you will make the most of it to develop and better your knowledge of the sport.”
He also mentioned the likes of Waisea Luveniyali, Riupeni Nasiga, Gabriel Lovobalavu, Iliesa Keresoni and Fiji’s No 1 referee James Bolabiu who were groomed in the Academy, played for Fiji and are now making names for themselves for reputable clubs overseas, saying he hoped the Academy players will follow suit.
“These are players who went through the Academy; they represented Fiji in 7s, XVs and the Fiji representative teams and they have gone further to secure for themselves contracts with top overseas clubs. And I hope all of you have that in mind...the goal to represent in Fiji and further your rugby career.”
HPU logistics manager Semi Rogoyawa echoed similar sentiments and urged the boys to feel free to ask for guidance from the coaches, managers, trainers and even their fellow Academy mates when they are in need.
“You are all here because you want to become movers and shakers of Fiji Rugby in future. I urge you to make this happen by making use of this opportunity, tap into new resources, the benefits will follow you forever,” Rogoyawa said.
“I imagine some of you arrived knowing exactly what you want to do and intend to focus on that. I think that’s great. But I also encourage you to be open to new ideas and experiences and directions that will help you reach your ultimate rugby goals.”
