The Fijian Drua franchise has made headlines today with the announcement of the signing of Flying Fijians lock, Temo Mayanavanua. Mayanavanua is set to join the Drua at the end of the 2024/25 season after Northampton Saints confirmed his departure. The decision follows his return to Fiji, a move inspired by the time spent with his family during a recent visit, which reignited his passion for local rugby.
Mayanavanua joined the Saints post-2023 Rugby World Cup and made a significant impact during his time there, playing 35 matches and scoring a try in the Investec Champions Cup. The 27-year-old expressed gratitude for the warmth and support he received from fans and teammates, emphasizing how the experiences and success he enjoyed with the Saints, including winning the Premiership, made his time memorable.
He reflected on being away from Fiji for nearly eight years, highlighting the emotional connection he felt when reuniting with family and witnessing his son playing with cousins. “Before, us boys from the islands had to go abroad to play as there was no career path for us. Now there is a professional team in Fiji, we have that option,” he remarked, capturing the growing trend of Fijian players returning home to bolster the local rugby scene.
Phil Dowson, the director of rugby at Northampton Saints, recognized Mayanavanua’s contributions to the team, noting his combination of physicality and skill, as well as his role as a mentor to younger players in the squad. While his transfer is met with sadness from the Saints, there is an understanding and respect for his decision to pursue opportunities closer to family in Fiji.
Mayanavanua’s transition to the Fijian Drua is not just a personal choice but part of a broader movement of Fijian rugby players returning home to make an impact in their homeland. This trend is expected to strengthen domestic teams and inspire the next generation of rugby talent in Fiji, enhancing the overall competitive landscape of Fijian rugby.
With the influx of experienced players like Mayanavanua, the future of Fijian rugby looks promising, heralding a revitalization of local clubs and offering hope for the continued growth of the sport in Fiji. The Fijian Drua is poised to benefit from his skills and experience as they head into the upcoming season of Super Rugby Pacific.
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