Fijian winger Manasa Mataele is set to return to his roots, wearing the Fijian Drua colors for the upcoming 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. After building a solid professional career abroad with stints at the Crusaders, Western Force, and most recently the Chiefs, this move marks a significant chapter in his career.
Mataele, who was born in Suva and attended Marist Brothers High School, began his journey in rugby with the Crusaders in 2016, where he made 32 appearances and scored a total of 85 points until 2021. His career then took him to the Western Force in 2022, adding 24 more appearances to his record before joining the Chiefs in 2025. March of this year saw him making his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs, where he quickly gained traction as a valuable player.
Mataele has also represented Fiji internationally, earning four test caps since his debut in 2021. His diverse experience across Super Rugby franchises is expected to be a key asset for the Drua as they aim to enhance their performance in the Pacific competition.
This trend of Fijian players returning home is growing, as seen in similar cases, such as Temo Mayanavanua, who left Northampton Saints to rejoin the Fijian Drua, emphasizing the increasing focus on local rugby development and the importance of fostering talent within Fiji. This reflects a hopeful future for Fijian rugby, as players like Mataele and Mayanavanua contribute to the revitalization and strengthening of local teams.
With his return to the Drua, Mataele is not just stepping onto the field; he is partaking in a movement that promises to inspire the next generation of Fijian athletes. The future of Fijian rugby looks bright, reinforcing local talent and offering hope for continued growth and success in the sport.
Leave a comment