QVS fly-half Raibevu earns Fijian Drua Development Squad spot

The Fijian Drua's grassroots development programme has produced another success story, with Queen Victoria School fly-half Jone Raibevu earning a place in the club's Development Squad after being identified through the Drua Foundation's talent scouting network.

Raibevu was first spotted during the Drua Foundation's scouting programme in 2024 before progressing through the club's Junior Development Programme, highlighting the growing success of Fiji's rugby talent pathway.

Fijian Drua chief executive officer Jeff Miller said the signing demonstrated the value of investing in young players from an early age.

"Jone's signing is another great example of what can be achieved when the Fiji Rugby Union and the Drua invest in identifying and developing young Fijian talent from an early age," Miller said.

"He first came onto our radar through our scouting programme and has continued to impress at every stage of his journey, from the Academy to now earning a place in our Development Squad."

Miller described Raibevu as an exciting prospect with the qualities needed to succeed at the professional level.

"Jone is an exciting young player with a strong skill set, excellent game awareness and outstanding athletic ability. Just as importantly, he has shown the dedication, work ethic and character that we value at the Fijian Drua."

He said Raibevu's rise reflected the success of the Drua Foundation's commitment to identifying and nurturing Fiji's next generation of rugby players.

"His journey demonstrates the success of the Fiji Rugby Union's pathways and the important role the Drua Foundation continues to play in helping talented young players from across Fiji realise their potential."

The Kalabu, Naitasiri, youngster first attracted national attention during the 2024 Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Eastern Zone competition before joining the inaugural Drua Junior Development Programme.

Excited about the opportunity, Raibevu said: “I was really surprised when I got the call about the opportunity. I was also excited when the Drua committee told me that I’ll be joining the Drua Development next season.”

Raibevu becomes the latest young player to progress through the Club's development system. He now joins the Development Squad as he works towards higher honours.