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 his admiration for the modern facilities available to the Drua, wishing that such resources had existed during his playing career. He also had the opportunity to reunite with former teammates Kele Leawere and Ifereimi Rawaqa, who were part of the historic 2007 Rugby World Cup team that achieved a memorable victory against Wales.

“This is amazing. I wish we had this when I was younger,” Little remarked, drawing attention to the importance of unity within the team. He compared the camaraderie of his earlier playing days, particularly during his time in the Army barracks in the 1970s, to the supportive atmosphere of the Drua today, stating, “But here you have the unity of having lots. It’s really good.”

Known for his exceptional kicking ability, Little shared insightful advice with the Drua fly-halves, emphasizing the necessity of moving the ball from forwards to faster backs and the strategic use of kicking. He succinctly reinforced the importance of solid defense, stating, “And on defense, tackle your man. That’s it.”

Little highlighted the critical need for local support for the Drua and praised the professionalism of local coaches Rawaqa and Leawere, affirming that they are well-equipped to guide the players. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, his heartfelt message was one of collective pride, declaring, “All our own guys are just proud to be the men who wear the blue.” He encouraged current players to give back to the rugby community, sharing the lessons they learned throughout their careers.

The Fijian Drua is deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of community, as demonstrated by their pre-season training efforts that include outreach activities in places like Kadavu. These initiatives not only enhance team bonds but also signify the Drua’s dedication to nurturing local talent and reinforcing connections within the community.

As they prepare for the upcoming Super Rugby season, the Drua’s focus on teamwork and local engagement offers a positive outlook for future successes. Little’s visit underscores the vital link between past and present players, highlighting the spirit of rugby in Fiji and inspiring current and future generations of athletes. This developing narrative encapsulates the broader themes of community involvement and giving back, which are essential to the future of Fijian rugby.