THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has named five new players for the 2023 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific tournament which kicks off in February next year.
The five new players announced in the 38-member squad include gold-medal winning Olympian and Rugby 7s World Cup winner Iosefo Masi, fellow 7s World Cup winner Elia Canakaivata, former Melbourne Rebels squad member Emosi Tuqiri, Nadroga centre Michael Naitokani and Flying Fijians prop Mesake Doge.
Doge returns home from Europe (Dragons and Brive) to bring valuable experience to the Drua front row in 2023.
The 2023 Fijian Drua squad features 15 Flying Fijians as well as two wider Flying Fijians squad members and will be captained by Ratu Meli Derenalagi.
The club has farewelled a number of players from its inaugural season which are Nemani Nagusa, Baden Kerr, Kitione Ratu, Onisi Ratave, Manasa Saulo, Jona Mataciwa, Viliame Rarasea and Leone Nawai.
“This squad announcement is another exciting milestone in the very short history of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua,” said head coach Mick Byrne said.
“We are impressed with the development of our current squad members during the off-season. We have added a couple of new faces and they have been training well.”
The Drua kick off their Super Rugby season against Moana Pasifika in Auckland on February 25.
Squad Prop:
Mesake Doge, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Timoci Sauvoli, Samuela Tawake, Meli Tuni, Emosi Tuqiri, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa;
Hooker:
Mesulame Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama;
Lock:
Chris Minimbi, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Rotuisolia, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele;
Backrow:
Elia Canakaivata, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Raikabula Momoedonu, Rusiate Nasove, Kitione Salawa, Joseva Tamani;
Scrumhalf:
Simione Kuruvoli, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu;
Flyhalf:
Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela;
Centre:
Iosefo Masi, Michael Naitokani, Kalione Nasoko, Apisalome Vota;
Back three:
Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi;
Utility:
Ilaisa Droasese, Kitione Taliga, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
