The Fijian Drua have confirmed their squad ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Olympic gold medalist Iosefo Masi headlines the new inclusions in the squad from their inaugural season, making his return after a stint in the NRL with the North Queensland Cowboys.
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The 24-year-old made the switch after the Tokyo Olympics, coming back in time to help Fiji to the Rugby Sevens World Cup in September.
He is joined by fellow Sevens World Cup winner Elia Canakaivata, adding vital backrow depth following the departure of Nemani Nagusa.
Flying Fijians prop Mesake Doge bolsters their front-row, joined by former Rebel Emosi Tuqiri and exciting centre Michael Naitokani.
"We are honoured to introduce all Fijians to their 2023 Drua squad," new CEO Mark Evans said in a statement.
"We are a team of the people and every member of the squad and the Club is determined to make the country proud. Our inaugural season laid the foundation for what we can do both on and off the field in 2023.
"We are stepping it up in all aspects, we have an exciting array of Fijian stars who will light up the competition, and we will deliver six outstanding home matches in 2023 for our fans.”
The 2023 Drua squad features 15 Fijian Internationals, headlined by captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi and breakout star Vinaya Habosi.
“This squad announcement is another exciting milestone in the very short history of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua," head coach Mick Byrne added.
"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.
“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.”
FIJIAN DRUA 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
