10 December, 2004

Making a career in rugby The absence of a solid link between secondary schools rugby and the provincial unions through the Fiji Rugby Union often leads to players disappearing from the radar screen for a while only to pop up in a New Zealand NPC team a few years later. And because of the rugby void for school-leavers, some others lose interest and drop out of rugby altogether. Vela Naucukidi visited the Rugby Academy at Lelean Memorial School and had a pleasant surprise at the rapid progress the institution has made. Just a year after the LMS Academy was recognised by the Ministry of Education, it proved itself on the field, winning the Secondary Schools 7s this year and drawing 6-6 with Queen Victoria school in the final of the Post Fiji Trophy (Dean’s). Five students from the Academy have secured contracts overseas – four to Palmerston North and one to Hamilton Boys High School. Speaking with the principal, Aisea Rarokoliwa, it appears that the ride has not always been smooth, especially in terms of funding. “We started in 2000 with 10 boys but no involvement from the Ministry of Education,” Mr Rarokoliwa said. “We asked the Methodist Church and did things internally in an informal way without involving the ministry.” Mr Rarokoliwa, himself, has been a big influence on the school’s rugby revival. The year he moved to LMS, 2000, they won the Dean’s Trophy for only the second time in 20 years. In 2001, the Academy took a step up and had a classroom for the students. But this was located beside the toilets, and when it rained, the classroom would be flooded. “It was not OHS compliant, but we persevered,” Mr Rarokoliwa said. Optimum balance That year, Mr Rarokoliwa and his staff visited the Nadi Muslim Academy to observe how things were being done in the West. “We went down to see how their system worked and when we came back we thought of ways to adjust things to optimise our own system.” Then came Otago Rugby Union to take a look after their U21 manager Grant Hughes had made a brief visit. “We had a couple of players down South who had been through LMS, like Seremaia Bai, so Otago’s involvement came about through the influence of ex-students.” The initial agreement was to send five players each year to play and further their studies at Southland Institute, part of the Otago Highlanders set-up. Otago also donated rugby balls, equipment and gear. In 2002, Seci Nawalowalo and Setareki Bai went from Lelean Academy and a QVS student filled a third place. But in 2003, the school did not send any players because of a breakdown in communication after a change in personnel at the New Zealand end. “We didn’t want to just rely on just one donor anyway,” Mr Rarokoliwa explained. “At the moment, we’re trying to grow roots overseas and also use locals who can lend a hand.” Last year, the whole system was formalised and that August the Academy was recognised by the Ministry of Education. Now, they’ve been able to expand to three classrooms that they use each morning. “From morning to recess the boys do subjects like communication skills, computer studies, agricultural science, accounting, religious education, and values and virtues education.” After recess, they have theory courses on rugby and training theory; then after lunch they have practical sessions outdoors. So, not only should these players come out as good rugby players, their studies allow them to be involved in refereeing, management and training. Principal Aisea Rarokoliwa with the beginnings of a trophy cabinet Education essential The Academy now follows the Otago Academy curriculum. To qualify for a place at the institute, a player must have a good rugby history and also a Form 6 level of education. “We can also go down to Form 5 if they have a good rugby background and are keen enough,” Mr Rarokoliwa said. For example, first-year academy student Tevita Bainivalu had been living in his village in Matuku since dropping out of school. He toured with the Matuku team last year when the Island Zone champions played in the B Division semi-finals, then later joined the Academy and got picked for the Fiji U18s team. Another player, Sireli Ganivatu from Bua, left home to join the Academy after a dispute with his father who opposed his rugby plans. According to lecturer Rusiate Kaibau, Ganivatu could only return home if he brought back the national rugby jersey. “It affected him,” Mr Kaibau said. “He was very quiet, and most of the time he’d be in his own world.” Mr Kaibau spent some extra time with Ganivatu and found out about the burden he had been carrying. He then helped the young prop to fulfil his aim, and at the end of last year Ganivatu returned home the proud owner of a Fiji Hot Bread U18s jersey to show his father. Next year, the 15 students currently in Year Two will start at the Fiji Institute of Technology’s new sports branch. According to Mr Rarokoliwa, former Fiji captain and national manager Koli Rakoroi said the obstacle course at the school is tougher than the one at the Army Training Camp in Nasinu. “Tailevu are also taking advantage of the facilities here, and I believe that this is a contributing factor to their success this year,” the principal said. Down and dirty... the low part of the assault course Proceed with caution Mr Rarokoliwa, however, expresses caution about sending players overseas without a proper monitoring system and without getting something in return. “We’re looking at an arrangement whereby in the first two years, overseas institutes that take our players should also give a small fee to the school to help us continue.” “We cannot just keep feeding them with players after spending two years grooming them. It’s like we are making the bread and they just take it for free – the deals ought to benefit both parties.” “The FRU should play their part too in keeping track of these players when they go overseas.” Since the LMS Academy has been up and running, the school has seen a great improvement on the rugby field. In 2003, four players joined the Fiji U18 squad – props Tuilakepa Faktaufon and Ganivatu, centre Josefa Satini and wing Josaia Lotawa. This year, Eliki Gavidi got selected for the U21 national squad, while three others were selected for the U18s – fullback Bainivalu, inside centre Napolioni Nalaga, and flanker Aseri Robarobalevu. Rising stars Nalaga then became an instant star when he scored five tries against the Cook Islands in a U19 World Cup qualifying match and will certainly be a player to watch in the future. Later in the season, he helped the Nadroga U21s clean up the Telecom Fiji Colts competition. Grooming the boys are Mr Kaibau and Wame Naivalu on the rugby side while LMS teachers help out with the other courses. “Not all these students will become rugby stars,” Mr Naivalu stresses. “So that’s why we have other opportunities for them as referees or trainers, and they can also further their studies in accounting or in computer skills.” At the moment the school is looking for funds to extend the gymnasium so it can accommodate full squads for training. They also hope to complete an all-weather multi-sports training surface. The future plans include set ting up a committee outside of the school to boost and advise the principal and the Board on how to improve areas of the Academy. They also wish to liaise more with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth for staffing, technical and financial assistance. Additionally, they seek assistance from the Fiji Rugby Union and the surrounding provincial unions for intake, development and any other help that can be offered. The school is confident that with such increased support, they can offer a better platform to produce excellent sporting results and sporting career opportunities. Swing low... the assault course has been described as tougher than the one at QEB Bare necessities... the weight-training equipment is minimal but it gets plenty of use Academy products... Fiji U18s players Napolioni Nalaga (left), Tevita Bainivalu and Aseri Robarobalevu Lelean Academy Year II Aseri Robarobalevu, Eliki Selema Gavidi, Joni Tabakau, Joseva Nayacavou, Pauliasi Bilo, Ropate Raburau, Rupeni Tuitai, Savenaca Vunivesilau, Semi Votea, Seremaia Likusuasua, Sikeli Racule, Sireli Ganivatu, Sunia Bainivalu, Tomasi Cava. Year I Alipate Naibesasa, Alipate Tamanitoakula, Apenisa Tagivetaua, Aporosa Saukuru, Charles McGoon, Epeli Ruivadra, Epeli Tukuca, Inia Toa, Jone Ritova, Joseva Vualiku, Kelepi Bativou, Kolinio Mateyaki, Laisiasa Bale, Manueli Lagai, Meli Lawadradra, Napolioni Nalaga, Netani Mocelutu, Niko Degei, Paula Ceguadrau, Pauliasi Kuracivi, Peni Tuidama, Rusiate Yaranamua, Sakiusa Gavidi, Samuel Seru, Savenaca Tamatasasa, Semisi Loki, Solomone Kalounivutia, Temesia Suka, Tevita Bainivalu, Tobia Valamalua, Vilikesa Tuvutoka, Waisake Bainaucu. Not all play... the classroom remains the cornerstone of the students’ education The 2004 students Hope for tomorrow... Lelean Year 2 students with lecturers Rusiate Kaibau (l) and Wame Naivalu