Former Flying Fijians first five-eighth Nicky Little recently paid a visit to the Fijian Drua’s base in Legalega, Nadi, where he received a warm welcome from the current squad and officials. During his visit, Little expressed admiration for the state-of-the-art facilities, reflecting on how he wished such resources had been available during his playing days. His visit was also an opportunity to reconnect with former teammates Kele Leawere and Ifereimi Rawaqa, both of whom played alongside him in the historic 2007 Rugby World Cup where Fiji notably defeated Wales 38-34.

“This is amazing. I wish we had this when I was younger,” Little commented on the Drua’s facilities. He emphasized the importance of team unity, drawing comparisons between his experiences in rugby during the 1970s and the current environment, noting, “But here you have the unity of having lots. It’s really good.”

Known for his kicking skills, Little shared valuable insights with the Drua fly-halves, highlighting the significance of passing the ball from forwards to faster backs and the strategic use of kicking. He reinforced the need for solid defense, stating succinctly, “And on defense, tackle your man. That’s it.”

Little also underlined the critical role of local support for the Drua and praised the professionalism of local coaches assisting 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 ahead to the 2025 season, Little conveyed a message of pride and unity for the team: “All our own guys are just proud to be the men who wear the blue.” He encouraged current players to focus on giving back to the rugby community, sharing their experiences with aspiring athletes.

The Fijian Drua continues to engage in community-oriented pre-season training, including recent activities in Kadavu. These initiatives not only enhance team dynamics but also emphasize the club’s commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering community spirit.

As the Drua prepares for the upcoming Super Rugby season, their focus on unity and community involvement offers a hopeful outlook for future successes. Little’s visit underlines the vital relationship between past and present players, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and community support in the vibrant rugby culture of Fiji.

In summary, Little’s visit not only fosters connections between generations of players but also emphasizes the broader themes of giving back and community engagement, which are crucial in shaping the promising future of Fijian rugby.