The Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, has revealed that the Drua Under-16 Academy, managed by the Fiji Rugby High-Performance Unit, is the primary pathway for emerging rugby talent in Fiji. Annually, 30 players from the Deans Competition are selected to join the academy, which provides an annual support allowance of $2,000 for their development over two years.
Upon reaching 18, the most promising players have the chance to enter the Drua Development Programme, where they can earn a starting salary between $10,000 and $15,000 per year. This program is designed to refine their skills and prepare them for a professional rugby career. The top players may receive contracts with the Drua franchise, with a minimum annual salary of $40,000.