THE Australian Rugby League Commission will set up a rugby league academy in Fiji.
This was confirmed by former Fiji Bati Wise Kativerata yesterday.
Kativerata is now a coach at the Australian Institute of Sports (AIS) and said the demand for Fijian talent had seen discussions take place on the possibility of an academy.
He said it had been decided that rather than bringing players from Fiji to Australia to develop them, the players would be developed in Fiji.
"I came here to discuss with Fiji National Rugby League on the topic of an academy and they have taken up the offer with both hands," the 35-year-old said.
"I go back next Sunday and will talk to the commission about this and leave the FNRL to find a suitable venue for the academy," he said.
Kativerata said the funding for the academy would come from Australia and the only thing required from Fiji would be the players.
"This academy is not only for rugby league, it is for the whole of Fiji and whichever player wants to train here will be allowed to do so. "We will even invite the rugby union players to come and train at the academy once it is up and running."