HOME RETURN A MAJOR BOOST

Super Rugby Pacific fans can look forward to plenty of thrills and attacking delight from the Fijian Drua team returning home after their debut season in 2022.

Coach: Mick Byrne

Captain: Ratu Meli Derenalagi

Home grounds: HFC Bank Stadium, Suva; Churchill Park, Lautoka

Website: www.fijirugby.com

Tickets: drua.flicket.io

Contact: Phone +00 679 330 2787

Email: media@drua.rugby

Team TAB odds: $61.00

LAST YEAR:

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: ELEVENTH

It was always going to be a tough debut. Fijian Drua played just two matches at home in Suva and Lautoka to strong crowds of over 10,000 people. The other home matches were played in Australia, with the team based at the New South Wales Sport and Recreation Centre in Lennox Head. They had two memorable wins against Moana Pasifika and Melbourne Rebels.

LUCK OF THE DRAW:

The opening round clash with Moana Pasifika at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland will be a match to savour, with some high-tempo rugby expected and Pasifika pride on the line. Fijian Drua will play six home matches in Fiji, evenly split between Suva and Lautoka, including a round 14 blockbuster re-match against Moana Pasifika.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:

In a massive boost for the campaign ahead, Fijian Drua will be based in Fiji, which changes everything about the team’s chances of pushing for the play-offs. The home advantage for them is massive as opposition teams will likely struggle as the heat and humidity swells in Suva and Lautoka.

FORWARDS:

Mesulame Dolokoto, Tevita

Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Timoci Sauvoli, Samuela Tawake, Meli Tuni, Emosi Tuqiri, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Chris Minimbi, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Rotuisolia, Sorovakatini

Tuifagalele, Elia Canakaivata, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Ratu Meli

Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Raikabula Momoedonu, Rusiate

Nasove, Kitione Salawa, Joseva Tamani.

BACKS:

Simione Kuruvoli, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Iosefo Masi, Michael Naitokani, Kalione Nasoko, Apisalome Vota, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese, Kitione Taliga, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

Fijian Drua have bolstered their squad’s depth since last year. Olympic gold medalist and Sevens World Cup-winner Iosefo Masi is the biggest name among the new signings. He returns to the 15-man code after playing in the NRL with the North Queensland Cowboys. The 24-year-old will add speed and attacking flair to an already talented group of outside backs.

Tighthead prop Mesake Doge brings a wealth of experience from playing in Europe. The 29-year-old has played eight tests for the Flying Fijians. Other notable signings are number 8 and Sevens World Cup-winner Elia Canakaivata, exciting centre Michael Naitokani and former Melbourne Rebels prop Emosi Tuqiri.

The cousin of former Australian rugby star winger Lote Tuqiri first made his mark at Australian schoolboy level. He bolsters the front-row depth in the squad alongside Doge, Flying Fijians test player Haereiti Hetet, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Meli Tuni and Samuela Tawake.

The squad features 15 Fijian internationals and will be captained by versatile loose forward Ratu Meli Derenalagi.

A player to watch is first-five Caleb Muntz, who has all the skills needed to succeed and last year showed he was comfortable playing at Super Rugby level.

Head coach Mick Byrne, the former All Blacks skills coach, is impressed with the development of his squad during the off-season.

“We have added a couple of new faces and they have been training well. Our playing group is looking forward to the 2023 season after experiencing their first year of professional rugby this past season.

“Our Flying Fijians will also bring back their experiences of international rugby into our environment. The coaches are very excited to work with this group of players to bring success to our loyal and passionate Drua fans.

“We look forward to providing all our fans with an exciting and successful year of rugby in 2023.”

WHO’S NEW:

Forwards: Timoci Sauvoli (France), Mesake Doge (Dragons, Wales), Elia Canakaivata (Sevens), Emosi Tuqiri (Rebels).

Backs: Iosefo Masi (North Queensland Cowboys), Michael Naitokani (Fijian Warriors).

WHO’S THROUGH:

Forwards: Viliame Rarasea (Counties Manukau), Nemani Nagusa (Nadroga).

Backs: Leone Nawai (Suva), Seru Vularika (Suva), Napolioni Bolaca (Fiji Sevens).