As anticipation grows for the esteemed Coral Coast Sevens Tournament, the Fijian Drua have announced a highly promising squad. This roster features notable talent, including five capped Flying Fijians, a Rugby World Cup 7s champion, an Olympic Silver medallist, and a Provincial champion, setting the stage for an exciting competition.
The Drua 7’s team will be guided by a formidable coaching trio: Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani, currently the Drua Development Coach; Fijian 7s legend Waisale Serevi; and Ratu Meli Derenalagi, a stalwart of the Drua and a Tokyo Olympic Gold Medallist. This experienced coaching staff aims to maximize the potential of both seasoned players and promising newcomers.
The squad blends established talent from the Drua main squad and emerging players from the development team. Co-captains Elia Canakaivata, a standout forward, and former HSBC sevens star Joji Nasova will lead the team. The main squad includes Isikeli Rabitu, Philip Baselala, Aisea Nawai, Kitione Salawa, Ilaisa Droasese, and Maika Tuitubou, while the development squad brings players such as Joweli Walevu, Kalioni Ratunabuabua, Pita Manamananaivalu, Meli Dreu, and Bogi Kikau into the mix.
Adding to the squad’s excitement is Simeli Karacia, who was part of the Malolo Rugby’s victorious ‘Small Boys, Big Job’ team that clinched the 2025 Skipper Cup.
Coach Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament, stating, “We’ve got a really balanced squad for McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s. The likes of Meli Derenalagi as Assistant Coach and Waisale Serevi as Technical Advisor is great for our team. There’s a lot of experience there and I’m really excited about what we could do in this wonderful tournament.”
Last year, the Drua team achieved a commendable semi-final finish in their inaugural season. This year, they will compete in Pool E, facing tough opponents including Japan SDS, British Army 7s (Great Britain), and Yaro Chiefs. The Drua will commence their campaign against the British Army 7s at 11:40 AM (FJT) on Thursday at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.
The full Drua 7s squad includes: Elia Canakaivata (c), Joji Nasova, Isikeli Rabitu, Philip Baselala, Aisea Nawai, Kitione Salawa, Simeli Karacia, Joweli Walevu, Ilaisa Droasese, Maika Tuitubou, Kalioni Ratunabuabua, Pita Manamanaivalu, Meli Dreu, and Bogi Kikau.
With a mix of experience and youthful vigor, the Drua are poised to make a significant impact at the tournament, igniting hopes of further success on the international stage.
Leave a comment