Naqama of Sila Central and Salikoro of Natabua High receive rugby scholarships in NZ

Two Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Academy players have received lifetime opportunities after being offered scholarships to attend Tauranga Boys College in New Zealand.

The two players are Sefanaia Naqama, a student of Sila Central High School in Nausori, and Seremaia Salikoro from Natabua High School.

The Drua says the two players were identified by Tauranga Boys College’s First XV Coach, Regan Ward and Senior Rugby Coordinator Aidan Kuka.

They say 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 says the Fijian Drua are thrilled to commence their world-class partnership with Tauranga Boys College.

Stephenson says the partnership will be a life-changing experience for the two young players.

Salikoro and Naqama, who are both 16 years old, will receive an outstanding education, immerse themselves into a different culture and will be in an elite rugby environment.

Baden says both players will return to the Fijian Drua following their scholarship, and they will be working closely with the players and rugby program while they are in New Zealand.

He adds 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 first-ever Fijian Drua Academy cohort, and they are expected to be in New Zealand before the beginning of the next academic year.

Tauranga Boys College Senior Rugby Coordinator Aidan Kuka says they are excited to partner with the Fijian Drua and provide an educational and rugby development opportunity in New Zealand that supports their programme.

He says Tauranga Boys College is committed to being 'best for boys' and has a proud history of supporting ordinary boys to become extraordinary men.

Kuka adds that they are delighted to offer this unique opportunity to the international community, and they look forward to having Salikoro and Naqama join their school next year.