The Fiji Rugby Union and the Pacific Island Players Association (PIPA) have joined forces to invest $650,000 into the future of Fijian rugby.
The money will go towards off-field education and support through a player development programme which aims to help the 600 pacific island players playing professional rugby across the glove.
With young players thrust into foreign environments at an early stage of their careers, the programme is to provide support in the areas of career and education, finance, family and culture, professional rugby development, and personal development.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive John O'Connor said their commitment was to help Fijian players and drive the country's success on the international stage.
"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," he said.
Fiji and Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo was in full support of the programme.
"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 on-going advantages for players, Fiji Rugby and the wider Fijian community," Nadolo said.
Also wanting the programme to have an enduring influence on personal lives, families and the wider communities is PIPA board member and current Fiji captain Akapusi Qera.
"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," Qera said.
The programme is the culmination of support from The NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, World Rugby, communications company Digicel, the New Zealand Rugby Players Association and Massey University.
Newshub.
