Sevens rugby star Joji Nasova is set to join the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. This marks a significant transition for the 24-year-old athlete, who recently made a name for himself on the international sevens scene, shining particularly at the Paris Olympics where he secured a silver medal.
Nasova has signed a two-year deal with the Drua, and his decision to shift from the sevens format to the 15s game is seen as a tremendous move for both him and the team. He recently finished the HSBC SVNS series as a joint-top try scorer, with an impressive tally of 26 tries, and was honored by being selected in the 2025 HSBC SVNS Men’s Dream Team.
Making his debut for the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team at the 2023 Hong Kong Sevens, Nasova played a pivotal role in securing a gold medal at the 2023 Pacific Games hosted in the Solomon Islands. His talent and contributions have gained him considerable recognition. “I am very excited to be selected to be part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team ahead of next year’s competition, and I hope next season will be a good one,” he expressed in a statement.
Glen Jackson, head coach of the Fijian Drua, shared his excitement about Nasova’s signing, emphasizing that his experience and skills from the World Sevens Series will be instrumental in adapting to the 15s format. This transition aligns with a growing trend of successful sevens players moving to the 15s game, similarly to Ponipate Loganimasi, who made a significant impact on the Drua.
Nasova’s journey is not just remarkable for his athletic prowess but also serves as an inspiration. He began his career playing in local tournaments with Dominion Brothers and has since risen to international acclaim. Coming from a family-oriented background, he has expressed gratitude for the support he provides to his family through rugby. His brother, Iliavi Masori, is also connected to the rugby scene, showcasing a strong familial bond within the sport.
As both he and the Drua prepare for the upcoming season, there is a hopeful outlook for what they can achieve together in the future. Nasova’s commitment to the sport highlights the transformative power of rugby in fostering dreams and aspirations, not only for him but for many aspiring athletes. The growth of Fijian rugby remains promising as they continue to develop homegrown talent like Nasova.
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