Four talented development players from the Fijian Drua have been promoted to the main squad as they gear up for the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, which was recently announced in Nadi. The players making this leap are wingers Isikeli Basiyalo and Aisea Nawai, centre Maika Tuitubou, and hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua, all of whom have signed multi-year contracts that enable them to compete for a spot in the match-day 23 for the new season.
Head coach Glen Jackson expressed his enthusiasm about the promotions, highlighting the hard work and dedication the players have put in to earn this opportunity. “It’s brilliant for them and bolsters our squad significantly. All of them are raring to go and fight for spots in the matchday 23 every week,” he stated.
Basiyalo’s rise to the main squad follows his time with the development team and participation as a member of the Fiji Airways men’s 7s team at the Hong Kong 7s in March. He was also part of the national under-20 squad last year. Nawai shares a similar journey, as he too contributed to the Fiji 7s team in Hong Kong and has experience with the under-20 national side.
Tuitubou will be a rookie in this season as he takes on the role of outside centre, while Tagivetaua has already shown promise at higher levels of competition, serving as captain for the Fiji U20 team during the 2023 World Cup Championship and being part of the Flying Fijians 2025 squad despite not yet earning a cap.
Alongside these new promotions, the Drua’s full squad features a diverse group including experienced players such as Emosi Tugiri, Haereiti Hetet, Peni Ravai, and several returning members from previous seasons. The blend of youth and experience within the team is vital as they prepare to compete in the intense landscape of Super Rugby.
As the Drua moves forward with their preparations, the inclusion of emerging talents alongside seasoned players provides a promising outlook for the upcoming season. The team looks set to make an exciting impact in the Super Rugby Pacific, showcasing Fiji’s rich rugby culture and commitment to developing local talent. Fans can expect thrilling performances and growth as these young players step into their new roles.
Leave a comment