On January 26 last, OPT's philatelic service launched a stamp dedicated to the New Caledonia’s Young Hopeful’s Rugby Academy (Pôle Espoirs Rugby de Nouvelle-Calédonie). With a face value of 260 CFP francs, this stamp was designed by the painter Thierry Mordant who had already designed stamps for the women's handball (2018) and athletics (2019) young hopefuls.
This new stamp is an opportunity to draw attention to an outstanding and efficient structure that offers the most willing and determined young Caledonians an opportunity to live out their dreams. New Caledonia has indeed always been a land of rugby, and for several years some of the best New Caledonian players have distinguished themselves in the major French clubs and even within the French national team. The list is long, and some big names spring to mind readily like Peato Mauvaka, Abraham and Selevasio Tolofua, Paulo Tafili, Rodrigue Neti, Willy and Romain Taofifenua, Raphaël Lakafia, Sébastien Vahaamahina ...
An Academy that trains the best
The Academy was created in 2017 at the initiative of the regional rugby committee with the support of the French Rugby Federation. Its objective is to train young people to the highest level both sporting and professional so that they can easily integrate into the French clubs that recruit them. The French State is also present in this initiative through the DJS (Directorate of Youth and Sport) and the Department of Education The Young Hopeful’s Rugby Academy accepts about twenty young people aged 16 to 18 per intake, and from all over Oceania.
OPT-NC shares sporting values
Sharing with the sporting world the values of effort, will and commitment, OPT-NC has always been attentive to the evolution of sport in New Caledonia. An active partner in many clubs, committees and leagues OPT-NC is delighted to shine the spotlight on the success of this academy which offers so many prospects to the best young rugby players of the island.
