Salikoro and Naqama were part of the Fijian Drua Academy cohort. They are expected to be in New Zealand before the beginning of the next academic year.
From left: Seremaia Salikikoro and Sefanaia Naqama. Photo: Fijian Drua
The Fijian Drua is excited that two of its academy players, Seremaia Salikoro and Sefanaia Naqama have received scholarships from the highly rated Tauranga Boys College in New Zealand.
The Drua had set this opportunity up as part of a strategic partnership with Tauranga Boys College.
Salikoro, a Natabua High School student has been awarded a scholarship for three years while, Naqama a student of Sila Central High School in Nausori got two years.
They were identified by Tauranga Boys College’s First XV coach, Regan Ward and Senior Rugby coordinator Aidan Kuka. The duo from the College spent a week with the Drua and during this time identified Salikoro and Naqama as ideal scholarship recipients.
Fijian Drua general manager Baden Stephenson said: “The Fijian Drua are thrilled to commence our world class partnership with Tauranga Boys College.
“The partnership will be a life changing experience for our first two scholarship holders.
‘Salikoro and Naqama (both 16-year-old players) will receive an outstanding education, immerse themselves into a different culture and will be in an elite rugby environment.”
Baden added that both players would return to the Drua following their scholarship.
“We will be working closely with the players and their rugby programme while they are in New Zealand. There is a very strong alignment with values and commitment to developing good people on and off the field.”
Salikoro and Naqama were part of the Fijian Drua Academy cohort. They are expected to be in New Zealand before the beginning of the next academic year.
Kuka said they are excited to be partner with the Drua and provide an educational and rugby development opportunity here in New Zealand that supports their programme.
“Tauranga Boys College is committed to being ‘best for boys’ and has a proud history of supporting ordinary boys to become extraordinary men.
“We are delighted to offer this unique opportunity to our international community. We look forward to having Seremaia and Sefanaia join our school in 2025,” he added.
-Fijian Drua
