Besides the aims of his team hoisting the prestigious Deans Trophy, Lelean principal Aisea Rarokoliwa is concerned with the development of Fiji secondary school players who come through the schools rugby system.

Rarokoliwa says the long term objective of the Lelean Memorial School Rugby Academy is to enhance the skill of talented players so they can earn a future for themselves in the game.

Big rugby names that have come through the Lelean system include the likes sevens maestro Waisale Serevi, Flying Fijian test players Epeli Ruivadra, Sireli Naqelevuki, Saiasi Fuli, Seremaia Bai, Kameli Ratuvou and more recently Fiji 7s player Tomasi Mawi, Taranaki based Iliesa Keresoni and France based centre three quarter Napolioni Nalaga.

“The whole idea behind the Deans championship is to develop secondary school players for professional level,” Rarokoliwa said.

“Our focus is always on the Dean title but we have set aside our long term goal of producing the best players. We’re not only grooming our players to be competitive in the field but we’re also contributing to the development of rugby in the country. I can prove that we’ve been heading through the right course as most of players have represented their respect province in the national scene while some have gone beyond to wear the national colour.”

There is no doubt behind a tough campaign ahead as Nasinu Secondary school will fight tooth and nail to secure a berth in the final. Polishing their discipline, Rarokoliwa is adamant that his team has what it takes to advance to the final.

“The boys are mentally, physically and spiritually psyched and I believe that we’re on the right course to bringing back the glamour. Discipline plays a major role in our campaign so we’re working on it because we don’t want discipline to be the reason behind our downfall.”

The Lelean under 19 team will camp at Namoli Village in Lautoka and will take on Nasinu Secondary on Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka at 3:55pm

Fijilive

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