Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s Tevita Ikanivere has been named the top hooker in the 2025 SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year, concluding a remarkable season for the 24-year-old front-rower. His standout performance throughout the season earned him 19 points in the Player of the Year voting, securing him a prominent place in this honorary all-star team.
The significance of this recognition lies in the fact that the Team of the Year is determined by votes from opponents and analysts over the course of the season, reflecting the respect Ikanivere commands within the league. His dominant and energetic style of play has solidified his role in the Fijian Drua’s scrum, where he has contributed not only with his hard-running and impactful tackles but also through his meticulous execution in set pieces.
Ikanivere’s selection marks a historic moment for Fijian rugby, as he is the first player from the Drua to be included in the Team of the Year. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley praised the acknowledgment, emphasizing that it represents the admiration players earn from their contemporaries through consistent performance.
Additionally, Ikanivere’s accomplishment stands as a testimony to the growing influence of the Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific, which is reinforcing its competitive presence with talents like Ikanivere leading the charge. Alongside him, fellow Fijian athletes Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai and wing Kini Naholo also made the Team of the Year, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from Fiji.
This honor is not only a personal achievement for Ikanivere but also serves as an inspiration for the future of Fijian rugby as they continue to develop talent and aim for greater success on the international stage. With Ikanivere now part of this prominent lineup, there is optimism regarding the prospects of both the player and the team moving forward.
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