PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

FIJI NOW HAS THEIR OWN PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AFTER THE PACIFIC ISLAND PLAYERS ASSOCIATION (PIPA), Fijian Rugby, New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade appointed Gaylene Finekaso to the role in July.

Gaylene is no stranger to the Fijian rugby environment, having previously worked with players in a mental skills role. Educated in New Zealand, Gaylene has a PhD in Psychology and has lectured at the University of the South Pacific for 18 years. Prior to starting the role she also had her own wellbeing and psychology consultancy.

The owner of three dogs, who enjoys watching Netflix and sports, said “I am really looking forward to making a difference in the lives of our men and women rugby players in their off-field development.”

Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo said, “It is great that there will be more support and education for our players. This programme will challenge players to maximise their potential in rugby and life, which we hope will have ongoing advantages for players, Fiji Rugby and the wider Fijian community.”

Similar to the New Zealand Personal Development Programme, the Fijian programme will focus on five key personal development areas which include career and education, financial, family and culture, professional rugby development, and personal development.

The programme aims to provide player education to support on-going sustainable futures for the Pacific Island rugby players and deliver benefits to their countries. It is the culmination of support from The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, World Rugby, New Zealand Rugby Players Association and Massey University, and is also supported by the Reserve Bank of Fiji. A regional Personal Development Manager is currently being recruited by PIPA to help set up similar programmes in Samoa and Tonga.

Gaylene can be contacted via email at gaylene.finekaso@ pacificislandpa.com