Standout centre for the Queen Victoria School Vodafone Deans team, Maleli Nauvasi is now part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s Development Programme.
Nauvasi was the player of the match in the final against Nasinu Secondary School.
His signing is part of the Fijian Drua’s reinvigorated focus on discovering outstanding local talent much earlier and getting them onto pathways which could lead to a professional contract in the Super Rugby Pacific squad.
Hailing from Dratabu in Nadi, Nauvasi was also part of the Fiji Schoolboys Under-18 side which won two encounters against the Australia Schoolboys U18 last week.
He scored a try and had an assist in that campaign.
Nauvasi represented QVS in the Deans competition from Under 14 to Under 18 levels.
He says he is really excited to be part of the development program at the Drua, especially staying close to his parents.
Fijian Drua Development and Skills Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa says he is delighted to welcome Nauvasi to the Drua Development Program.
Drua General Manager Baden Stephenson says this is a significant signing for the club as Nauvasi attracted strong interest from overseas clubs and another code.
Nauvasi joins 10 other young players who make up the Drua Development Squad.
The development contract means they are on a salary, and train with the Super Rugby Pacific squad on most days of the week.
Drua development players also get to play for the provincial sides in the Skipper Cup which takes place alongside the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
