Two athletes with links to Fiji, Janeiro Wakeham and Laitia Moceidreke have been selected to be part of the NFL’s International Players’ Pathway (IPP) class for 2025.
The IPP programme identifies global talent and allows athletes to develop their American football skills, and potentially earn a spot on an NFL roster.
21-year-old Wakeham had signed for Ealing Trailfinders, an English professional rugby union club based in West London and participates in the England RFU Championship, from Stade Francais in July but has now left the Championship outfit after recovering from surgery on a knee injury.
The former Suva Grammar School student and Former Fiji under-20 rugby union lock aims to become an offensive lineman.
One-time North Queensland NRL winger Moceidreke, will trial as a tight end or defensive end.
In January 2025, Wakeham and Moceidreke, alongside 12 other athletes will go on a 10-week training camp in Florida - featuring field and classroom sessions - before showcasing their skills to NFL scouts before next year's NFL draft.
Former Wallabies winger Jordan Petaia and former Irelands 7s winger Aaron Sexton are also among the 14 players selected for the IPP 2025 class.
