WRONG choice of positions by our rugby players at an early stage of their careers is affecting the makeup of the national teams.
So says assistant Fiji under-20 coach Bill Gadolo who added they lacked numbers in some vital positions, especially in the forwards.
The former Flying Fijians hooker said aspiring rugby players tended to choose positions played by their idols and not those that correspond to their physique.
"Last year during a trial we had 10 players out of which eight were wingers and two front-rowers, the area that has proved to be one of the weaknesses in the national side," Gadolo said.
"So what we basically lack is a wider scope of players to choose from. There are certain positions where we have so many candidates while there are others with a couple so the balance is not there."
The 35-year-old Gadolo, who played hooker for the national team which saw him earn 20 Test caps, said it all came down to proper grassroots level development. He said the coaches responsible for grooming the age group players have a huge role to play. Gadolo added they should assist them in choosing the right positions based on their genetic makeup.
"It all comes down to proper development at grassroots level and helping the players chose the right positions that suit their muscles, bodies and physique," the secondary schoolteacher said.
"The teachers at the grassroots level need to address this problem and take the responsibility of ensuring the players choose the position they can play well in.
"They should look at their parents build and judge it from that on their physique and help them pursue position in which they would prosper in the future."