THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have strengthened their player development pathway with the unveiling of 20 promising players for their 2027 Development Squad and Next Gen program.
The selection features emerging provincial stars Joeli Baleilevuka of Nadroga and Tevita Ledua of Malolo, who have earned recognition following impressive performances in domestic and age-group competitions.
Thirteen players have been named in the Development Squad, giving them an opportunity to train alongside the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and push for professional contracts under head coach Brad Mooar.
The remaining seven will be part of the Drua Foundation-supported Next Gen programme, which aims to identify and nurture young talent while providing a pathway for aspiring players to develop their skills in Fiji.
Drua Director of Pathways Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani said the quality of this year’s Development Squad was encouraging, with two capped Flying Fijians, eight new faces and five returning players.
He said all players had progressed through Fiji’s rugby pathway, including provincial, schools, national age-group and international rugby.
The program will be guided by former Flying Fijians fullback Kini Murimurivalu and former Lautoka coach Kiniviliame Bavadra.
Murimurivalu brings valuable international experience, having represented Fiji at three Rugby World Cups and played professionally for Clermont Auvergne, La Rochelle and Leicester Tigers.
Bavadra, meanwhile, brings extensive knowledge of domestic rugby and experience with the Drua Foundation since its establishment in 2025.
Among the standout selections is Baleilevuka, who earned Player of the Match honours in Nadroga’s 24-22 Skipper Cup final victory over Nadi, scoring 19 points.
Another exciting prospect is Suva Grammar School hooker Viliame Daurua, who scored a hat-trick in his school’s 36-21 Deans final victory over Lelean Memorial School.
The Drua’s latest intake reinforces the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent and creating opportunities for Fiji’s next generation of professional rugby players.
