The Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, has announced that the Drua Under-16 Academy, operated by the Fiji Rugby High-Performance Unit, is the premier pathway for emerging rugby talent in the country. Each year, the academy selects 30 players from the Deans Competition throughout Fiji, providing each with an annual support allowance of $2,000 to aid in their development over a two-year span. By the age of 18, the most promising talents have the chance to participate in the Drua Development Programme, where they can earn an initial salary ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 per year. This program not only enhances their skills but also sets the groundwork for a professional rugby career. Top players can earn contracts with the Drua franchise, starting at an annual base salary of $40,000.