Former Flying Fijians first five-eighth Nicky Little recently paid a visit to the Fijian Drua’s base in Legalega, Nadi, where he was warmly welcomed by the current squad and officials. During his stay, Little expressed his admiration for the state-of-the-art facilities available to the Drua, lamenting that he wished such resources had existed during his playing days.

This visit allowed Little to reunite with former teammates Kele Leawere and Ifereimi Rawaqa, who were pivotal members of the historic 2007 Rugby World Cup team that achieved a notable 38-34 victory over Wales. Reflecting on the camaraderie of his playing days, he remarked, “This is amazing. I wish we had this when I was younger,” highlighting the importance of unity within the team.

Little, known for his exceptional kicking skills, shared insightful advice with the Drua fly-halves, emphasizing the need for effective ball transition from forwards to faster backs and the importance of strategic kicking plays. He also stressed the necessity of solid defensive techniques, succinctly stating, “And on defense, tackle your man. That’s it.”

In addition, he underscored the critical need for local support for the Drua, praising the professionalism of local coaches like Rawaqa and Leawere, affirming their competence in guiding the players. With an eye toward the upcoming 2025 season, Little conveyed a heartfelt message of pride for the team, stating, “All our own guys are just proud to be the men who wear the blue,” and encouraging current players to give back to the rugby community by sharing their knowledge and experiences with younger athletes.

The Fijian Drua is committed to nurturing local talent and fostering a sense of community, exemplified by their outreach programs and pre-season activities that include training initiatives in places like Kadavu. This focus on unity and local engagement bodes well for the team’s future successes as they prepare for the Super Rugby season.

Little’s visit not only bridges the connection between past and present players but also reinforces vital themes of teamwork, community involvement, and giving back, which are essential in inspiring future generations of athletes in Fiji. His engagement serves as a motivating reminder of the importance of collaboration within the vibrant rugby culture of the nation, fostering a hopeful outlook for both the Drua and the sport in the country.