The Fijian Drua have unveiled 20 promising players for their 2027 Development Squad and Next Gen programmes, continuing their commitment to developing local talent and creating pathways to professional rugby.

The 13-member Development Squad includes standout provincial and age-group players, with Joeli Baleilevuka of Nadroga and Tevita Ledua of Malolo among the new additions.

The squad also features two capped Flying Fijians, eight new faces and five returning players from the 2026 season.

Seven young players have also been selected for the Next Gen programme, which is supported by the Drua Foundation and aims to identify and nurture emerging talent while providing opportunities for players to develop in Fiji.

Fijian Drua Director of Pathways Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani says the quality of this year’s squad is encouraging, with players progressing through schools, provincial and national age-group rugby.

The programmes will be led by former Flying Fijians fullback Kini Murimurivalu and former Lautoka coach Kiniviliame Bavadra, who will oversee the development of the next generation of Drua players.

Among the new additions are Nadroga fly-half Joeli Baleilevuka, who starred in the Skipper Cup final with 19 points, and midfielder Kavekini Boselawa, who recently earned a call-up to the Flying Fijians.

Other new faces include Fiji Under-20 representatives Luke Tuvalu and Marika Koroi, Nadroga forward Sakiusa Vosayaco, Flying Fijians halfback Sam Wye, Malolo utility Tevita Ledua and former Natabua standout Viliame Tuwai.

They will join returning players Breyton Legge, Josh Uluibau, Moses Armstrong-Ravula, Jeneiro Wakeham and Maleli Nauvasi.

The seven Next Gen players include Alfred Cornish, Christian Oakley, Epeli Rabaka, Jone Raibevu, Rafaele Waqalala, Viliame Bale and Viliame Daurua.

The Development Squad will train alongside the senior team, benefiting from its coaching and high-performance environment, while the Next Gen programme will provide a foundation for young players aspiring to reach the professional level.

The initiative reinforces the Drua’s commitment to building a sustainable player pathway and giving Fiji’s emerging rugby talents opportunities to develop at home.