The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have unveiled 20 promising stars for their Development Squad and Next Gen programme which features FIJI Water Flying Fijians duo Sam Wye, and centre Kavekini Boselawa.
They are joined by Nadroga flyhalf Joeli Baleilevuka, Nadroga loose forward Sakiusa Vosayaco, Malolo fullback Tevita Ledua, former Biarritz Olympique backrower Luke Tuvalu, Marika Koroi, and Viliame Tuwai.
They are joined by five returning Development players from the 2026 season – Breyton Legge, Josh Uluibau, Moses Armstrong-Ravula, Jeneiro Wakeham and Maleli Nauvasi.
Seven Next Gen players will be supported through the Drua Foundation programme, which serves as an important feeder to the Club’s Development Squad.
Established to identify and nurture young talent while keeping them on island, the programme provides a structured pathway for aspiring players to develop the right skills and build a strong foundation for future opportunities in professional rugby.
Through this initiative, the Drua Foundation aims to create meaningful opportunities for young athletes to pursue their rugby ambitions right here at home.
Fijian Drua Director of Pathways Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani says they are really excited with the quality of this year’s Development Squad.
Nadolo-Kuridrani says every single player has come through the Fijian rugby pathway, either through provincial rugby, schools’ rugby, national age-group teams or directly via the Flying Fijians.
The squad will be guided by a new coaching duo consisting of former Flying Fijians fullback Kini Murimurivalu and former Lautoka Rugby Coach Kiniviliame Bavadra, who bring a wealth of playing experience and coaching expertise to the programme.
The Development Squad will train and develop alongside the Club's main playing group, benefiting from the guidance of the Drua's coaching and performance staff while building the skills, physical conditioning and game understanding required to compete at the highest level.
The seven are Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute flanker Alfred Cornish, Marist Brothers High School students Christian Oakley and Epeli Rabaka, Queen Victoria School students fly-half Jone Raibevu and lock Viliame Bale, Rafaele Waqalala, Suva Grammar School hooker Viliame Daurua.
