Eight players from the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will take the field for the Drua Development team in an exciting curtain raiser against the Australian Fijians Rugby Union (AFRU) this Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka. This match is set to be an exhilarating prelude to the highly awaited Round One Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific contest between the Drua and Moana Pasifika, allowing fans to enjoy two thrilling games in one event.
Coach Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani has strengthened his Development squad with the addition of experienced players, including Vilive Miramira, Motikiai Murray, Philip Baselala, Joji Nasova, Inia Tabuavou, and Kavaia Tagivetaua. Their inclusion is expected to infuse valuable experience and energy into the younger team.
Nadolo-Kuridrani expressed optimism about the upcoming matches, noting that the presence of senior squad members is beneficial for both the Development team and the main squad. “We’re really preparing well and we’re fortunate enough to have some of the top squad guys join us. For them, it’s about getting valuable minutes, but it’s also good for our boys to rub shoulders with some of our senior players,” he remarked.
The curtain raiser serves as a crucial opportunity for emerging talent to display their abilities before a home audience, while also fortifying the depth within the larger Drua organization. The match is scheduled to kick off at 12.30 PM, setting the stage for a day of exciting rugby action.
The Drua Development squad includes Breyton Legge, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Harold Rounds (captain), Angelo Smith, Janerio Wakeham, Vilive Miramira, Motikiai Murray, Kalioni Ratunabuabua, Philip Baselala, Meli Dreu, Joji Nasova, Inia Tabuavou, Pita Manamanaivalu, Garlen Peace, and Bogi Kikau, with Josh Uluibau, JD Sivivatu Kanth, Sairusi Ravudi, Daris Khan, Jeremaia Teka, Adam Khan, Joweli Walevu, Isikeli Basiyalo, and Maleli Nauvasi making up the bench.
This event promises not only to be an opportunity for skill development but also a celebration of rugby culture, as the Drua aims to foster community engagement and showcase the wealth of talent within Fiji.
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