Former Flying Fijians first five-eighth Nicky Little recently paid a visit to the Fijian Drua’s headquarters in Legalega, Nadi, where he received a warm welcome from the current squad and staff. During his visit, Little expressed admiration for the state-of-the-art facilities, stating how he wished such resources had been available during his own playing days. He cherished the opportunity to reunite with former teammates Kele Leawere and Ifereimi Rawaqa, who played crucial roles in the historic 2007 Rugby World Cup when Fiji defeated Wales 38-34.
“This is amazing. I wish we had this when I was younger,” Little remarked, emphasizing the vital importance of unity among players. He reflected on the camaraderie he experienced during his earlier years in rugby, particularly in the Army barracks of the 1970s, and highlighted how the current environment fosters team cohesion with greater resources.
Known for his exceptional kicking skills, Little graciously shared valuable advice with the Drua fly-halves, stressing the significance of effectively transitioning the ball from forwards to quicker backs, alongside a strategic kicking approach. He succinctly emphasized the necessity of solid defensive tactics with the straightforward advice, “And on defense, tackle your man. That’s it.”
Furthermore, Little highlighted the critical need for local support for the Drua and commended the professionalism of local coaches Rawaqa and Leawere, affirming, “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 anticipates the upcoming 2025 season, Little passed on a heartfelt message of pride and unity for the team, proclaiming, “All our own guys are just proud to be the men who wear the blue.” He passionately encouraged current players to give back to the rugby community by sharing the lessons learned throughout their careers.
The Fijian Drua remains dedicated to fostering local talent and community spirit, a commitment evident in their pre-season training initiatives, which include outreach activities in locations like Kadavu. These endeavors not only strengthen team bonds but also reflect the club’s genuine focus on cultural engagement and local development.
As the Drua prepares for the Super Rugby season, their emphasis on teamwork and community involvement paints a hopeful outlook for their future successes. Little’s visit not only bridges connections between generations of players but also reinforces the greater themes of community support and giving back that are essential in shaping the future of rugby in Fiji. His engagement serves as a motivating reminder of the importance of collaboration, unity, and commitment within the sport, inspiring current and future generations of athletes.
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