The Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, has stated that the Drua Under-16 Academy, operated by the Fiji Rugby High-Performance Unit, is the primary gateway for young rugby prospects in the nation.
Annually, 30 players from the Deans Competition across Fiji are chosen to join the academy, each receiving a yearly support allowance of $2,000 to aid in their development over a two-year timeframe.
When these athletes reach 18, the most promising among them are invited to enter the Drua Development Programme, where they can earn an initial salary ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
This initiative not only enhances their skills but also establishes a pathway toward a professional rugby career. The standout players have the chance to sign contracts with the Drua franchise, starting with a base salary of $40,000 per year.