The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is gearing up for the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby competition and is focused on assembling a competitive squad. Forwards coach, Chris Gibbes, has indicated that the team will be strengthening two key positions: No.6 and No.8.
Gibbes confirmed that the team is not considering shifting Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, known as ‘Big T’, to either of these positions, as they have other strategies in place. He emphasized the need for flexibility and adaptability within the squad this season.
The return of influential flanker Joseva Tamani, who recently played with the French club Colomiers, has been a boost for the team. At 27 years old, Tamani is expected to fill one of the critical positions as he has previously showcased his agility and speed in the loose.
In addition to Tamani’s return, young talent Isoa Tuwai, who has excelled in the Suva Rugby region, is also in the mix. Tuwai’s unique journey from inside center to flanker demonstrates his versatility, and Gibbes is optimistic about his potential contributions.
The team remains determined to build on their recent successes, having reached the Shop N Save Super Rugby quarterfinals for two consecutive years. They are set to announce a strong squad for the upcoming McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, taking place in Sigatoka on January 16-18. This tournament will see the Drua facing off against various teams, including the Seattle Barbarians and the All Blacks 7s.
In a positive shift, the Drua players are currently on a well-deserved break, spending quality time with their loved ones, but they plan to resume their training with renewed energy after the New Year.
This enthusiasm and dedication from both the coaching staff and players are promising for the future of the Fijian Drua as they continue to strive for excellence in the sport. The infusion of both seasoned players and emerging talents indicates a bright path ahead for the team, fueling optimism among fans and supporters alike.
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