Iosefo Masi, a key player for Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, has confirmed he will be fit to participate in the upcoming Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific 2025 season. During an interview with SUNsports in Nadi last Friday, Masi expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the field, stating, “I’m in the second week of training and I love it.” The 26-year-old center had previously suffered a knee injury while playing in the Pacific Nations Cup, which led to his absence from the final match against Japan and the subsequent Europe Tour in November.
Additionally, Joe Tamani, a backrower well-known for his height and skill, will also be back with the Drua after spending a year with Colomiers Rugby Club in France’s ProD2 competition. Tamani, affectionately nicknamed “Smokin’ Joe,” has devoted himself to rigorous pre-season training. He stated, “I am glad that we are finishing the pre-season, which was seven weeks of toughness in training. We reached our goals, and I am now ready to run on the field.”
Tamani was part of the Drua squad that reached the quarterfinals in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season and made his Test debut for the Flying Fijians against Samoa during the Pacific Nations Cup.
In related news, Drua co-captain Frank Lomani remains optimistic about the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Having been part of the team that made history by defeating Wales in Cardiff, Lomani feels that the current squad is progressing well as they gear up for the Super Rugby Pacific competition. He remarked, “We can’t wait. We are looking forward to our first game in February and looking forward to off-season and pre-season.”
The return of these players signifies a strengthening of the Drua team, bringing hope and excitement for fans as they prepare for the next season. The blend of returning talent and newfound skills promises a competitive and thrilling Super Rugby experience ahead.
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