Suva Grammar School under-18 utility back Sunia Ragede has secured a professional contract with Hawks Bay Academy after a short stint with the Sacred Heart College following the Deans competition this year while Grammar players were recognised for their under-18 rugby journey and had their capping ceremony last night.
Grammar finished 4th in the Deans competition this year and is the only school in Fiji that has a capping system.
Ragede says he won the best back line player award for Sacred Heart College and helped his team win the A One Championship after 58 years in New Zealand.
His mother, Milinia Ragade who was very emotional says she is proud of her son's achievement, given the hardship he endured in trying to accomplish his rugby dream.
She says when her son had no bus fare for training, he would pack his training gear and walk to and fro just to follow his passion.
The proud mother says her son is very determined and has promised her to their family a better life after securing the contract in New Zealand.
Ragade leaves for New Zealand on January 6th next year.
While speaking during the capping ceremony, Suva Rugby Union Chairman Colonel Viliame Draunibaka say this is a night their achievement, participation and recognition in the Dean's competition is acknowledged.
He says as an old scholar, he wishes that they had this system during their time, and has acknowledged the school administration for the idea.
Suva Grammar School has produced players who are currently playing for the Fijian Drua including Philip Baselala and Isikeli Rabitu.
