Tevita Ikanivere, captain of the Flying Fijians, has officially signed with MIE Honda Heat, a club in Japan Rugby League One. This transition marks a new chapter in Ikanivere’s rugby career and comes alongside the announcement of six other new recruits joining the club, including his fellow Fijian Aseri Masivou.
Expressing his gratitude, Ikanivere stated on the team’s website, “I’m thankful and grateful to MIE Honda Heat for giving me this opportunity. My family and I are very excited about moving to Japan and being a part of the MIE Honda Heat Family.” He also expressed eagerness to contribute to the team’s competitive success in the years ahead and to play in front of enthusiastic Japanese fans.
Ikanivere’s move follows his impactful tenure with the Fijian Drua, where he played a crucial role since the team’s debut in Super Rugby Pacific in 2022. During his time there, he made 48 appearances and scored 12 tries while also earning respect internationally with 23 caps for the Flying Fijians. His leadership attributes were further acknowledged when he was recognized as the top hooker in the Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year in 2025.
The departure of Ikanivere, while bittersweet for the Drua, opens doors for new talent within the franchise. As the squad adjusts to this change, fans are hopeful that the ongoing infusion of fresh players will maintain the team’s competitive edge in future competitions.
This move not only highlights Ikanivere’s commitment to enhancing his career but also emphasizes the growing presence of Fijian players in international rugby, an encouraging sign for the overall development of the sport in Fiji. The future looks bright for both Ikanivere and the Fijian rugby scene as they embrace new challenges and opportunities ahead.
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