Swire Shipping Fijian Drua development player Meli Dreu has expressed his excitement about training alongside players he has long admired from a distance, marking a significant step in his rugby journey in Fiji. Hailing from Sawakasa, Tailevu, and currently playing club rugby with East Tigers Brisbane, Dreu describes this experience as a dream come true.
He is embracing the rigors of the training environment and finds motivation in the talent around him. Dreu highlights that working alongside established players such as Joji Nasova, Jone Naikabula, and Elia Canakaivata—athletes he previously watched on television—has been both inspiring and educational.
“Coming from where I am in Australia, I’ve only watched these boys on TV, so to be here rubbing shoulders with them and learning off them is huge,” Dreu remarked, reflecting on the honor of training with such renowned figures in the sport.
As a versatile player covering both fullback and flyhalf positions, Dreu has noted a significant difference in the style of play; he describes the Fijian approach as faster and more expressive than what he is used to in Australia. This new environment has further fueled his eagerness to advance in his rugby career.
Grateful for his development player status, Dreu is excited about the tournament’s energy, the passion of the fans, and the opportunity to face high-level competition. These elements have only heightened his ambition to improve and compete at an elite level in Fiji.
Recently, Dreu played a part in the Drua 7s team that participated in the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s. Looking ahead, the Drua are gearing up for their first pre-season match against the Chiefs this Friday, with another match scheduled against the Skipper Select XV next Friday in Lautoka. This busy schedule indicates a promising season ahead for Dreu and his teammates, as they prepare to showcase their talents on the rugby field.
Leave a comment