Iosefo Namoce, a promising rugby talent from Australia, has signed a two-year contract with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, marking an exciting chapter ahead of the upcoming Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. At just 23 years old, Namoce was awarded Suva Rugby Union’s Rookie of the Year for 2023, showcasing his impressive skills on the field.
Hailing from Nakama in Macuata and with family roots in Vuna, Taveuni, Namoce’s journey began at the Queen Victoria School before he made his mark in the Skipper Cup with the Suva team over the past two seasons. Following his move to Canberra this year, he has been a standout player for the Gungahlin Eagles in the Dent Cup, which aligns with the Drua’s strategy to incorporate local talents.
Namoce plays as a centre and is expected to fill the gap left by Iosefo Masi, who has transferred to the French club Lyon. This transition emphasizes the Drua’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent as they adapt to these changes ahead of the new season.
In addition to Namoce’s signing, there is speculation that former Melbourne Rebels lock Angelo Smith might also be joining the Drua. At 24 years old, Smith stands at 1.99m and boasts experience from 20 Super Rugby matches, further enriching the team’s prospects.
The signing of Namoce and potential addition of Smith reflects the Drua’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their squad with skilled players who can contribute significantly to the team’s performance in Super Rugby. As the new season approaches, this fresh influx of talent brings a wave of optimism for fans eager to see how these players will impact the team’s success on the field.
Namoce’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring rugby players throughout Fiji, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can lead to rewarding opportunities in professional sport.
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