The Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, has declared that the Drua Under-16 Academy, managed by the Fiji Rugby High-Performance Unit, is the primary avenue for nurturing young rugby talent in the nation.
Each year, the academy selects 30 players from the Deans Competition across Fiji, who receive an annual support allowance of $2,000 for their development over a span of two years.
As these players reach the age of 18, the most promising among them have the chance to join the Drua Development Programme, where they can earn an initial salary ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 annually.
This initiative not only enhances their skills but also paves the way for a potential professional rugby career. The standout players can secure contracts with the Drua franchise, beginning with a base salary of $40,000 per year.