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 nurturing young rugby talent in Fiji.
Each year, the academy selects 30 players from the Deans Competition throughout the country, providing them with an annual support allowance of $2,000 to aid their development over two years.
Once these players reach the age of 18, the most promising ones have the chance to join the Drua Development Programme, which offers starting salaries ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
This initiative not only enhances their skills but also establishes a solid foundation for a professional rugby career.
Outstanding players can eventually secure contracts with the Drua franchise, beginning with a base salary of $40,000 annually.