Former Flying Fijians star Nicky Little recently visited the Fijian Drua’s base in Legalega, Nadi, where he was welcomed by the current team and officials. During his tour, he expressed admiration for the state-of-the-art facilities, reflecting on his wish that such resources had been available during his own playing career. Little reunited with former teammates Kele Leawere and Ifereimi Rawaqa, whom he played alongside in the historic 2007 Rugby World Cup, where Fiji achieved a remarkable 38-34 victory over Wales.

“This is amazing. I wish we had this when I was younger,” Little remarked about the Drua’s base, highlighting the importance of unity within the team. He compared the camaraderie of his early days in rugby, particularly in the Army barracks during the 1970s, to the current environment, noting, “But here you’ve got the unity of having lots. It’s really good.”

Known for his exceptional kicking skills, Little offered advice to the Drua fly-halves, emphasizing the significance of transitioning the ball from the forwards to the quicker backs, and the judicious use of kicking in play. He stressed the critical need for solid defense, clearly stating, “And on defense, tackle your man. That’s it.”

Little highlighted the role of local support for the Drua and praised the professionalism of local coaches like Rawaqa and Leawere. “They’re all professionals here. They know what they’re doing. We just need to keep supporting them as much as we can,” he affirmed.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Little shared an uplifting message of pride and unity for the team. He expressed that all players should take pride in donning the Drua jersey, reinforcing the importance of giving back to the rugby community. “I think all our own guys are just proud to be the men who wear the blue,” he said, encouraging current players to share their knowledge and experiences with the next generation.

In recent efforts, the Drua have engaged in pre-season training that includes community activities in Kadavu, further fostering team spirit and demonstrating their dedication to nurturing local talent. As they prepare for the upcoming Super Rugby season, the Drua’s focus on unity and community connection showcases a hopeful path for future success.

This visit underlines the vital relationship between past and present players and emphasizes the significance of teamwork, community support, and the spirit of rugby in Fiji. The commitment to giving back and fostering connections not only strengthens team dynamics but also inspires future athletes, illuminating a promising outlook for Fijian rugby.