Former Melbourne Rebels lock Angelo Smith is set to return to Fiji to join the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, signing a two-year contract with the team. Smith, a 24-year-old hailing from Nananu, Tailevu, has expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to play closer to home, showcasing his skills in front of family and friends.
Smith’s rugby career began at Marist Brothers High School, and he made notable strides by representing the Fiji U20 team in prior years. His significant experience includes a successful stint with Wests Rugby in Brisbane, where he was instrumental in breaking a 16-year championship drought in 2022. Following this, he joined the Melbourne Rebels in 2023, where he earned 20 Super Rugby caps.
Drua General Manager of Rugby, Baden Stephenson, spoke highly of Smith, emphasizing how his size, skill, speed, and experience will bolster the team’s forward pack. “It is fantastic to see players wanting to return home, and Angelo’s best rugby is in front of him,” said Stephenson, highlighting the importance of homegrown talent in strengthening local rugby.
The acquisition of Smith aligns with a broader trend of Fijian players moving back to enhance their local teams, which not only augments the competitive spirit of Fijian rugby but inspires younger athletes in the region. Recent signings by the Drua, including promising players like Iosefo Namoce and Temo Mayanavanua, further indicate the team’s focus on nurturing locally connected talent as it prepares for the upcoming Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
Smith’s excitement about playing in a familiar environment encapsulates the hope and enthusiasm surrounding the Fijian Drua, as they aim for a successful season ahead. The fostering of local talent and a sense of belonging could pave the way for an inspiring chapter in Fijian rugby.
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