Former Flying Fijians first five-eighth Nicky Little recently visited the Fijian Drua’s headquarters in Legalega, Nadi, where he received a warm welcome from the current squad and officials. During his visit, Little expressed admiration for the advanced facilities at the Drua base, reminiscing that he wished similar resources had been available during his own playing career. He also took the opportunity to reconnect with former teammates Kele Leawere and Ifereimi Rawaqa, who were both part of the historic 2007 Rugby World Cup team that defeated Wales 38-34.

“This is amazing. I wish we had this when I was younger,” Little said, highlighting the importance of unity within the team. He recalled how the camaraderie of his era, particularly during his time in the Army barracks in the 1970s, fostered strong bonds among players, stating, “But here you got the unity of having lots. It’s really good.”

Known for his exceptional kicking skills, Little shared insightful advice with the Drua fly-halves, emphasizing the importance of facilitating ball movement from the forwards to the quicker backs and the strategic use of kicking during games. He also stressed the need for solid defensive practices, simply stating, “And on defense, tackle your man. That’s it.”

Little emphasized the critical role of local support for the Drua and praised the professionalism of local coaches who assist the team. “They’re all professionals here. They know what they’re doing. We just need to keep supporting them as much as we can,” he noted.

Looking forward to the 2025 season, Little conveyed a message of pride and unity, saying, “All our own guys are just proud to be the men who wear the blue.” He encouraged current players to focus not only on their careers but also on giving back to the community and sharing their experiences with younger athletes.

This visit underscores the Fijian Drua’s commitment to fostering a strong community spirit as they engage in pre-season training that includes activities in Kadavu. These efforts enhance team bonds and reflect the club’s dedication to nurturing local talent.

As the Drua prepares for the upcoming Super Rugby season, their focus on unity and community connection offers a hopeful outlook for future successes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and local engagement in shaping the future of Fijian rugby. Nicky Little’s visit illustrates the strong ties between past and present players and the vital role of community in the sport.