Two new flyhalves were named today in the sixth wave of the signing of players during a Zoom conference for the Fijian Drua’s inaugural season with the Super Rugby Pacific next year.
Fijian Drua interim chief executive Brian Thorburn announced Tuidraki Samusamuvodre bracketed for flyhalf/fullback and Teti Tela as flyhalf/inside centre as part of the seven players who have signed for the new franchise.
Earlier signings include both rugby sevens exponents Napolioni Bolaca and Kitione Taliga assigned for flyhalf/fullback positions boosting the number of flyhalves for the squad.
When questioned on any favoured player in the depth chart of the current squad for the important position, Fiji Rugby Union high performance general manager Simon Raiwalui said the depth chart would be aligned once the players got into camp in Australia.
“So once we get into camp in Australia Mick (head coach Mick Byrne) and the coaching team will assess all the players and it will be open competition between all players in all positions,” Raiwalui said.
“We’re not limiting ourselves; we’re not putting people on pedestals, everyone has to earn their spot which will be the way it is for the Drua.”
The other players named today for the Fijian Drua include two hookers, one lock, a loose forward and a prop.
The hookers are Flying Fijians Mesulame Dolokoto and NPC Counties Manukau’s Zuriel Togiatama, Counties Manukau lock Viliame Rarasea, local based Nadi loose forward Vilive Miramira and and NPC and former New Zealand Maori prop Haereiti Hetet.
Thorburn gave further details on the new Fijian Drua players announced today.
“Leading Wave Six as Drua No. 28 is the familiar name of hooker Mesulame Dolokoto. Mesu is one of Fiji’s best hookers, and has consistently featured on most Flying Fijians’ international tours and test matches held in Fiji since his debut,” Thorburn said.
“Like most of our squad, he comes through the local Fijian Warriors and NRC Drua pathways. He also brings strong international professional experience as well, given his time with the Glasgow Warriors in Europe and Tasman Makos in New Zealand’s NPC.”
“Drua No. 29 is the very exciting young Fijian flyhalf and fullback Samusamuvodre. He is a star of our game locally, turning up consistently on the Skipper Cup scene following his leading roles with the Fijian U20 and the Fijian Warriors, which include stints as captain. He has recently been playing for the New England Freejacks in the US Major League Rugby, and offers the coaching staff some excellent options in the backline.”
“Drua No. 30, Teti Tela, is another major boost to our backline stocks as a flyhalf or inside centre. Teti has been part of the wider Flying Fijians set-up for a couple of years, and starred in that famous non-test victory for Fiji over the Barbarians in 2019. He also brings Super Rugby experience to the Fijian Drua, given his stint with the Queensland Reds. He has been a part of the NRC rugby circles in Queensland, and his presence will be hugely beneficial to the many young backs we have in our squad.”
“Drua No. 31 is a young local bolter, loose forward Vilive Miramira. His inclusion will surely delight local rugby fans who have followed his progress in domestic age group and senior level competition with Nadi. He has been a standout on the local scene and now has the chance to impress the coaching staff and fight for a place among a big group of loose forwards in our squad. Vilive is a pure domestic product whose hard work and consistency rewards him with a professional Super Rugby contract. We know that it will serve as inspiration for all players in our domestic competitions to keep turning up and grab the attention of selectors for higher honours. This, of course, is one of the key objectives for the Fijian Drua.”
“Drua. No. 32 is young Counties Manukau hooker Zuriel Togiatama. Zuriel comes through the Ardmore Marist Rugby Club in New Zealand and the Counties Manukau Steelers, and has been part of the Chiefs Development Squad. He has solid credentials, and his inclusion creates strong, healthy competition among the hookers in our squad. He is raring to go at Super Rugby level and we look forward to him joining our squad.”
“Drua No. 33, Viliame Rarasea, is another Counties Manukau star who now joins his fellow Fijians in Super Rugby. Viliame came through the Fijian U20s and has featured consistently in New Zealand’s NPC over a number of years. He is another a ball-carrying lock, adding depth to our squad and looking to fight for a place among a solid group of locks.”
“Drua No. 34 is none other than prop Haereiti Hetet. As one of Fiji Rugby’s brightest stars, Hetet brings a yet more valuable international and NPC experience to the Fijian Drua squad and our front row. In addition to NPC experience through Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Hetet has also represented the New Zealand Maori side. As a Flying Fijian, he made a winning debut in the 2020 test in the Autumn Nations Cup against Georgia. His inclusion continues a proud family legacy with Fijian Rugby. Fans will remember his father Joeli Veitayaki as a prominent Flying Fijians prop.”
In addition to the new squad inductees, the Fijian Drua have today also confirmed that injured Flying Fijians, Fijian 7s and NRC Drua star Alivereti Veitokani is part of the wider Drua set-up. The Fijian Drua will organise for Veitokani’s assessment and rehabilitation in 2022, in close partnership with the Fiji Rugby Union. He is slated for a return to top-level rugby with the Fijian Drua for the 2023 Super Rugby season, to be in the frame for selectors’ consideration for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“Alivereti is absolutely a part of the Fijian Drua vuvale, and we will work with Fiji Rugby to help him on the road to recovery. We know what he is capable of; having starred for the NRC Drua in 2018 and masterminding the side to the championship win. We have an eye on the future in everything we do.”
The Fijian Drua have now announced 34 players, with a handful more expected to be confirmed and announced in the coming weeks.
fiji post blog 
How do we get yearly membership tickets for Fiji Drua?
Let me ask the Fijian Drua officials and get back to you . . . can you let me know where you are located?
According to Fijian Drua officials:
“We are working on membership options currently, and hope to make announcements on that later in the year.
Normally membership in Australia & NZ involve access to tickets, and we haven’t decided where all the matches are as yet, as we’ve been waiting in RA & NZR to finalise their draw.
We will surely have a general membership based on social media and access to news etc.
Hope the above answer your question.
Vinaka
PFB
As a short story writer, reading this blog post fills me with excitement and inspiration. The passion and dedication of these Fijian Rugby players, and the opportunity for them to showcase their talents on a larger stage, is truly inspiring. The idea of these young men fighting for their spot on the team and earning their place through hard work and determination is something that resonates deeply with me as a writer. It’s a reminder that perseverance and dedication can lead to incredible opportunities and success.