Fijian Drua name their first signings for 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season

Thu, Sep 23, 2021, 12:44 AM
HM
by Harry Magriplis

With the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season approaching, Fijian Drua have announced their first group of electrifying players.

The first group of five signings for their inaugural season include superstar Sevens gold medalist Napolioni Bolaca, Flying Fijians’ hooker Tevita Ikanivere, powerhouse loose forward Nemani Nagusa, blockbusting winger Onisi Ratave, and young rising star halfback Simione Kuruvoli.

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Fiji Rugby General Manager High Performance Unit Simon Raiwalui said the announcement displays the strong talent produced in Fiji and sets an example for future squad announcements.

“All five players unveiled today are homegrown and have come through our Fiji Airways Fijian 7s, Age-Group or High-Performance programmes. It is wonderful to be able to reward these players with a professional contract to play in the world’s best club rugby competition,” he said in a statement earlier this week.

Bolaca will be transitioning from a Gold Medal winning team to a debut 15-a-side team. However, his rugby abilities are unchallenged, and he will be sure to electrify the backline according to Raiwalui.

“Naps is World Seven Series’ top point scorer for 2019/2020 and will be excellent backline utility option in the squad as flyhalf, fullback or winger”, Raiwalui adds.

Raiwalui praises the other signings and how their experience can influence success at Fijian Drua.

“Winger Onisi Ratave is currently making waves for Bay of Plenty in New Zealand’s NC competition and will bring the same speed and power to Fijian Drua," he noted

“Nemani Nagusa has international experience with Stade Aurillacois Cantal Auvergne in France’s Pro D2 and the Newcastle Falcons in English Premiership.”

“Hooker Tevita Ikanivere was the Fiji-U20 Captain in 2018 when the side won the World Rugby Under-20Trophy to gain promotion into the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship. He has played for the Fiji Warriors, former NRC Drua and has a Flying Fijian cap to his name.

“Finally, Simone Kuruvoli another home-grown star who has come through the ranks of the Fiji U-20s and Fiji Warriors. He already has two Flying Fijians caps, and really held his own against the world’s best halfback earlier this year when we played the All Blacks.”

The coaching staff of Fijian Drua will be announced shortly along with the rest of the squad ahead of next season.

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