Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans has announced the promotion of four players from the club’s development program to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific squad, underscoring the franchise’s commitment to developing local talent. Evans emphasized that this achievement reflects a successful long-term investment in their homegrown players, indicating that nearly 25% of the squad has emerged from the club’s own development system, which has only been in place for three years.
“This is a significant milestone for us as a start-up club,” Evans noted, pointing out that out of the 39 players in the main squad this year, 10 of them are products of the development program. He expressed pride in the progress made and stated, “That’s a pretty decent output given our relatively short time in operation.”
The success of this initiative serves to inspire young Fijian athletes within the club’s foundation and academy pathways. Evans highlighted the importance of setting visible examples for aspiring players, such as Philip Baselala, who spent three years in development before earning his promotion, and Mesake Vocevoce, who quickly advanced through the ranks.
This development system is central to the Drua’s goal of cultivating sustainable player pathways from grassroots to professional rugby, ensuring that Fiji’s local talent remains integral to the team’s future. As the program continues to evolve, it not only strengthens the squad but also represents a hopeful investment in the future of Fijian rugby, reinforcing the commitment to nurturing young athletes and providing them with opportunities to excel at the highest levels of the sport.