The Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, has revealed that the Drua Under-16 Academy, operated by the Fiji Rugby High-Performance Unit, is the primary pathway for emerging rugby talent in Fiji. Each year, 30 players from the Deans Competition throughout Fiji are chosen for the academy and receive an annual support allowance of $2,000 to aid their development over a two-year span.
Once these players reach the age of 18, top performers are invited to join the Drua Development Programme, with starting salaries ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 per year. This initiative not only enhances their skills but also provides a solid foundation for a professional rugby career. The standout players have the opportunity to secure contracts with the Drua franchise, beginning with a base salary of $40,000 each year.