The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua aims to form a competitive squad for the upcoming 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby competition. Forwards coach Chris Gibbes has pinpointed the need for enhancements in the No.6 and No.8 positions. However, he plans to maintain the current positioning of Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, also known as ‘Big T’, and is exploring alternative options for these crucial roles.

Gibbes expressed confidence in the team’s potential with the return of flanker Joseva Tamani, who recently finished a stint with the French club, Colomiers. At 27 years old, Tamani is expected to make a significant impact, bolstering the team’s agility and strength in gameplay, especially after previously making 13 appearances for the Drua in the 2022 season.

Additionally, young talent Isoa Tuwai is expected to push for a position in the lineup. Having transitioned from inside centre to flanker, Tuwai has shown great promise while playing for Suva Rugby. Gibbes noted the advantage of player versatility, which allows for fluidity in roles, stating that both Tamani and Tuwai are valuable prospects for the team.

The Drua are eager to build on their impressive track record of reaching the Shop N Save Super Rugby quarterfinals for two consecutive years. The team will soon showcase their talent at the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament scheduled for January 16-18 in Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. Many hopefuls, including Isikeli Rabitu, Philip Baselala, and others, are vying for a chance to join the Drua 7s team.

As the team takes a brief break to enjoy the holidays with family and friends, they will return to training focused on achieving even greater success in the new year.

In summary, the Fijian Drua looks set to strengthen its squad through strategic recruitment and the nurturing of young talent, reflecting a bright future for the team and its supporters. This dedication to improvement could pave the way for even more remarkable accomplishments in the upcoming season.