The Rugby Academy Samoa’s quest to give promising young Samoan rugby players the chance to develop their talents and education overseas took another positive step.
This time, three young players will soon be making their way to the United States of America where they will study and play rugby as part of the scholarships provided by the rugby programme.
Dave Fisher, of Yale University, has been in the country for the past couple of days working with the programme and yesterday; one of the players chosen was named.
He is 18-year-old Junior Tagaloa.
“I am very humbled by the opportunity,” said the young player. “I’m looking forward to the challenge, it’s a big step for me and I’m extremely grateful to the guys here at the Rugby Academy for making this happen.”
Tagaloa will soon be joined by two others in the United States.
They make up the first batch of scholarship winners, that include two scholarship winners named for New Zealand last year.
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During a session with the players yesterday, Mr. Fisher encouraged Tagaloa and the two would-be scholarship players to use the opportunity wisely.
“The first three new players to the States will open more doors and opportunities to many local players in Samoa,” he said.
“So it’s a must for these players to use the opportunity well for themselves but also for their country. My hope is to continue to work with many local Samoan players in the future.” Mr. Fisher encouraged members of the Academy to think big and work hard.
“There is always an opportunity for you when you work hard.”
The message was embraced by former Manu Samoa Captain, Mahonri Schwalger, who is behind the Rugby Samoa Academy.
“Discipline and honesty will take you there,” he told the players, encouraging them to keep training hard and keep their focus.
Mr. Schwalger said the opportunities in America are among many doors that will open if they keep working hard. “Our focus so far is to continue to develop young players so that more opportunities like this will become available,” he said.
“I want to thank Mr. Fisher for stepping in to help the Academy and make it happen for these young ones.
We are looking forward to work with him in the future.” Mr. Schwalger said the two other players for the United States would be a prop and a lock.
They would be named soon.
The Rugby Academy is bring run by Mr. Schwalger, George Stowers, Robert Johnston with assistance from players and companies across the globe.
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