Chiefs winger Manasa Mataele is poised to join the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the next season of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition. This anticipated move has been hinted at by the Drua through a recent post on their Facebook page, which featured a map of Fiji pinpointing significant locations tied to Mataele’s background.
Mataele’s roots are closely tied to Fiji; he was born in Vanuavatu in Lau and has maternal connections to Yasawa-i-rara, while he was raised in the suburb of Raiwaqa in Suva. As an experienced player, at 28 years old, he has participated in 58 Super Rugby matches—32 with the Crusaders, 24 with the Western Force, and 2 with the Chiefs. Furthermore, he has made his mark on the international stage with four Test matches for the Flying Fijians.
This move aligns with a growing trend of Fijian players returning to local teams, which underscores a deeper commitment to nurturing local talent within Fiji’s rugby framework. Similar recent signings, such as Temo Mayanavanua from Northampton Saints, reinforce this initiative as the Drua seeks to enhance their competitiveness in the Super Rugby landscape.
The influx of homegrown talents like Mataele not only strengthens the Drua’s roster but also inspires the next generation of Fijian athletes. His return to the Drua symbolizes a hopeful narrative for Fijian rugby, reflecting the community’s unity and commitment to supporting local players in their professional journeys.
As Mataele prepares to don the Drua colors, fans can look forward to a season filled with excitement, local pride, and the promise of revitalized talent on the rugby field.
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