FIFTY-SEVEN players from across the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby zones underwent a two-day screening program at the Fijian Drua base in Nadi this week.
Of the 57, only 30 will be selected for the first Drua Academy cohort.
Drua Academy program lead Ben Takubu said the players underwent the screening process with various coaches which consisted of former Flying Fijians representatives.
They also worked alongside the Drua high-performance unit coaches in Naca Cawanibuka and Eroni Sotutu.
“We recruited extensively from the Fiji Secondary Schools zones. We got players from the north, southern and western division,” said Takubu.
The aim of having the academy is to retain local talent and reduce the chances of players being recruited by overseas scouts.
The players recruited for the Drua Academy are 18 years and below, the ideal age in which most talents leave the country for overseas offers.
“Basically, the academy is a program to help contract players under 18 from respective schools and this is to help with skills development.
“We are so fortunate to have these kids and see the talent that we have. We look forward to seeing what comes out of this program,” Takubu added.
The players also got a glimpse of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians training at the base.
The final 30 will be contracted by the Drua.
