Queen Victoria School fly-half and sprinter Jone Raibevu has secured a place in the Fijian Drua Development Squad after progressing through the club’s grassroots player pathway.

The Kalabu, Naitasiri native was first identified during the Drua Foundation’s talent scouting programme in 2024 before joining the inaugural Junior Development Programme later that year.

His promotion to the Development Squad reflects the success of the Foundation’s efforts to identify and develop promising young rugby players across Fiji.

The Drua Foundation, working in partnership with the Fiji Rugby Union and the Fijian Drua, aims to expand opportunities for emerging talent by providing quality coaching, player development and support to athletes from communities throughout the country.

Raibevu said he was both surprised and excited when informed that he would be joining the Drua Development Programme for next season.

The young playmaker first attracted attention with his performances during the 2024 Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Eastern Zone competition before earning selection into the Drua’s Junior Development Programme, where he received specialised coaching and high-performance training.

Away from rugby, Raibevu has also built an impressive reputation in athletics.

The Queen Victoria School student claimed the Blue Ribbon title at the Tailevu Zone Athletics Championships, showcasing the pace that has become one of his standout strengths.

Fijian Drua Chief Executive Officer Jeff Miller said Raibevu’s progression demonstrates the value of investing in young Fijian talent through structured development pathways.

Miller said the youngster had continued to impress after being identified through the scouting programme, earning his place in the Development Squad through his rugby ability, athleticism, dedication and strong work ethic.

He added that the club looks forward to supporting Raibevu’s development both on and off the field, describing his journey as another example of the positive impact of the Fiji Rugby Union’s player pathways and the Drua Foundation’s commitment to nurturing future stars.

Raibevu now joins the growing list of young players advancing through the Fijian Drua system as he continues his pursuit of higher honours in the professional game.