The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have announced a two-season contract extension for utility back Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, ensuring the versatile back will remain with the club through the next Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific campaigns.
Samusamuvodre, 27, has been with the Drua since their inception in 2022 and has made 20 appearances to date. A proud son of Namotomoto in Nadi, he was recognised this year as the Drua Community Champion of the Year for his work growing grassroots rugby and strengthening community ties.
General Manager Rugby Baden Stephenson said that anyone who watched Samusamuvodre in 2025 wouldn’t be surprised by the contract extension, noting it was a breakout season for the Nadi man and a rewarded outcome for his hard work, patience, and chance-taking. Stephenson added that Samusamuvodre plays above his weight, puts his body on the line, and serves as a superb ambassador for Drua values.
This season, Samusamuvodre featured in 10 matches as he continued to showcase his wide-ranging skills and leadership. He has consistently demonstrated his value to the squad, both on and off the field, and his optimism about the future aligns with the Drua’s ambitions.
The extension also fits into the broader pattern of the Drua prioritising stability and local talent development. Samusamuvodre has battled back from a difficult injury period in the past, including a significant ankle issue that required rehab, and his return to form has been a key narrative for the Drua’s 2025 campaign. His resilience—coupled with his ability to cover multiple positions, though he is primarily a No. 10—adds depth to a backline that already benefits from his experience and leadership.
For Drua fans, the news reinforces a positive message: the club is investing in players who embody both competitive edge and community spirit as they look toward future seasons. Samusamuvodre’s continued presence provides continuity and a familiar leadership voice as the squad builds toward its targets in the coming years.
In short, the contract extension confirms Samusamuvodre as a cornerstone of the Drua’s evolving squad, heightening expectations for what he and the team can achieve together.
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