26 May 2015

Sport: Coach says Fiji rugby academy is needed to keep young talent

11:26 am on 26 May 2015

Fiji Under 20 rugby coach Bill Gadolo says an academy is needed to help develop and retain the country's brightest young talent.

Fiji finished fifth in the World Rugby Under 20 Trophy, failing to win promotion back to the top tier of junior rugby.

Bill Gadolo says the Georgian team that won the tournament has been building for two years whereas Fiji only had two months together.

A host of Fijian players have been snapped up by French clubs in recent years and Gadolo says it's time Fiji did something.

"We have a lot of raw talent that needs time to nurture and to process to become test-ready or to become ready for competitive games. Definitely an academy would be a good way to start off with. It will be something to try and invest, especially with this young group of boys. We have about five boys who have signed contracts with French clubs. That's the trend and we're losing a lot of boys going into professional rugby and maybe someday playing for France".

Fiji beat Namibia to finish fifth at the World Rugby Under 20 Trophy in Lisbon.

Fiji beat Namibia to finish fifth at the World Rugby Under 20 Trophy in Lisbon. Photo: World Rugby / Miguel Rodrigues