The Fijian Drua has officially welcomed Vodafone Deans standout Maleli Nauvasi into the club’s Development program. Nauvasi, a center from Queen Victoria School, made a significant impact during the Deans competition, contributing to his school’s victory in the premier U-18 title in 2024 and being named player of the match in the final against Nasinu Secondary School.
Nauvasi’s signing is part of the Drua’s renewed commitment to identifying exceptional local talent early and guiding them toward potential professional opportunities with the Super Rugby Pacific squad. Hailing from Dratabu in Nadi, he recently represented the Fiji Schoolboys U18 team, achieving victories against the Australia Schoolboys U18, where he scored a try and recorded an assist.
Throughout his tenure at Queen Victoria School, Nauvasi participated in the Deans competition from the U14 to U18 levels, showcasing versatility by playing as a flyhalf, wing, and fullback.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Nauvasi said, “I’m really excited to be part of the Development program here at the Drua, especially staying close to my parents. I am very happy for this opportunity.”
Ifereimi Rawaqa, the Development and Skills Coach for the Drua, expressed his pleasure in welcoming Nauvasi to the program, recognizing his exceptional talent and discipline on the field. Rawaqa highlighted Nauvasi’s performance in the Deans competition and the Fiji Schoolboys U18 team, emphasizing his potential for significant impact in the future.
“The development program aims to provide young players like Nauvasi with essential resources, coaching, and a high-performance environment to transition to professional rugby,” Rawaqa noted.
Nauvasi joins a group of ten other young athletes in the Drua Development squad, with the development contract ensuring a salary and regular training with the Super Rugby Pacific team. Additionally, these development players will participate in provincial competitions such as the Skipper Cup, which runs concurrently with the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.