A personal development programme for Pacific Island rugby players was initiated today 19 April with an announcement that $650,000 would be invested into a Fijian programme. A parallel programme will be implemented in Tonga and Samoa later this year.

According to the Pacific Island Players Association, the programme is a ground-breaking initiative for Pacific Island rugby players, as it offers a fully integrated support program that delivers off-field career and education support.The Pacific Island Players Association stated, “With more than 600 Pacific Island Players currently playing professional rugby across the globe, the programme aims to provide player education to support on-going sustainable futures for the Pacific Island rugby players and deliver benefits to their countries”.

The programme is the result of a culmination of support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, World Rugby, Digicel, New Zealand Rugby Players Association and Massey University.

Young players

According to the Pacific Islands Players Association (PIPA), the development programme would help a large number of young Fijian rugby players who “grow up in the local villages in Fiji and quickly get thrust into foreign environments.”

Fiji Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer John O’Connor stated: “We are aware that our ability to retain and develop talented players is largely determined by the environment we create for them, the Personal Development Programme will be a central part of our environment that we strive to continuously improve.”

PIPA board member and current Fijian captain Akapusi Qera stated, “Our vision with this programme is for the players to have support before, during and after their careers.  We want them to be engaged, organised and well balanced people.”

Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo stated, “It is great that there will be more support and education for our players. This programme will challenge players to maximise their potential in rugby and life which we hope will have ongoing advantages for players, Fiji Rugby and the wider Fijian community.”

The association is currently looking for a manager to be based in Fiji.