THE Fiji Airways Drua rugby team has been recognised by the Minister of Youth and Sport, Laisenia Tuitubou as a platform of grooming local players for world rugby stages.
The Fiji Airways Drua season launch towards the Australian National Rugby Championship that kicks off this weekend gathered 10 of the 11 Fiji Airways Drua players who are also part of the Flying Fijians at the Royal Suva Yacht Club last evening.
Tuitubou said compared with other competitions and teams formed, the Fiji Airways Drua had been a grooming location for local-based players to be recognised by international clubs.
“I’m glad to say the Fiji Drua, under the National Rugby Championship, has developed players like Eroni Sau who has earned an overseas contract and into the world stage of rugby,” he said.
“I hope that they will continue to develop and groom more players.” Coach Senirusi Seruvakula believes most of his players can perform well at international level.
“I’ve been with most of these players for the past four years and I know they have what it takes to deliver in every match,” Seruvakula said.
“My advice to them is to go out there and enjoy themselves. “Stick to what we have learned and things will turn out our way since most of the Melbourne Rising players have featured in Super Rugby competitions.”
Meanwhile, compared with last year’s squad, local players have shown consistency earning 11 positions in the Flying Fijians squad.
Fiji Airways Drua plays Melbourne Rising on Saturday at the Ratu Cakobau Park at 3pm in Nausori.
