Former Flying Fijians first five-eighth Nicky Little recently made an inspiring visit to the Fijian Drua’s headquarters in Legalega, Nadi, where he was warmly welcomed by the current squad and coaching staff. During his time with the team, Little expressed admiration for the modern facilities, noting his wish that such resources had been available during his own playing days.
Reflecting on his visit, he had a heartfelt reunion with former teammates Kele Leawere and Ifereimi Rawaqa, both of whom were instrumental in Fiji’s remarkable 38-34 victory over Wales during the historic 2007 Rugby World Cup. Little emphasized the strong sense of unity among the current team, stating, “This is amazing. I wish we had this when I was younger,” and underscoring how the modern environment fosters camaraderie among players.
Known for his exceptional kicking skills, Little offered practical advice to the Drua fly-halves, stressing the importance of effective ball movement from forwards to faster backs and employing strategic kicking. He succinctly highlighted defensive tactics as crucial: “And on defense, tackle your man. That’s it.”
Little also highlighted the critical need for local community support for the Drua and praised the professionalism of local coaches like Rawaqa and Leawere, stating, “They’re all professionals here. They know what they’re doing. We just need to keep supporting them as much as we can.”
As the Drua looks forward to the 2025 season, his message resonated with pride for the players donning the blue jersey, asserting, “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 by sharing their experiences with youth and aspiring athletes.
The Fijian Drua remains deeply committed to nurturing local talent and fostering community connections, as evident in their community-oriented pre-season activities, including outreach initiatives in locations like Kadavu. These efforts are not just about strengthening team dynamics but also underscore the club’s dedication to local engagement.
As the Drua prepares for the upcoming Super Rugby season, their focus on teamwork and community involvement fosters a hopeful outlook for future successes. Little’s visit not only reinforces the vital link between past and present players but also highlights essential themes of collaboration, unity, and community spirit that are crucial to shaping the future of rugby in Fiji. His encouragement serves as an inspiring reminder to athletes to embrace the ethos of giving back, ensuring the spirit of rugby continues to thrive in Fiji.
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