Virimi Vakatawa says his return to the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has taken on a new purpose: to lead and lift the next generation of players as the club chases consistency in Super Rugby Pacific. The seasoned centre played a key role in the Drua’s hard-fought 24-22 victory over the Western Force last round and is now focusing on mentoring younger teammates ahead of this weekend’s Round 10 trip to the ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canberra (kickoff 9.35pm).
Fresh from an influential showing against the Force — where Vakatawa repeatedly sliced through defences with powerful runs and strong ball-carries — the former France international said his biggest contribution goes beyond metres gained. “Helping them out, I think that’s the main reason I want to come back and play for the Drua,” Vakatawa said, stressing that his priority is to pass on experience to emerging players in the squad.
Vakatawa pointed to the need for senior figures to actively support development within the playing group, naming fellow forward Temo Mayanavanua as an example of a leader already filling that role. “It’s not only me, also Temo Mayanavanua is here and some other senior boys… help them and guide them throughout the season so it’s not only me,” he said, adding that the mentorship is intended to set younger players up for long-term careers.
The Drua coaching group has made addressing inconsistencies a theme of the week as they prepare for the Brumbies, Vakatawa said. “During the week we have been talking about how we can change that, especially we have to come out with our best rugby,” he added, underlining the squad’s emphasis on cleaning up errors and building on the momentum from the narrow win over the Force.
Vakatawa’s leadership bid arrives as the club publicly pushes for unity and sacrifice to carry them through a demanding season. Earlier remarks from Drua chief executive Jeff Miller outlined a similar blueprint — hard work, commitment and a collective approach — as essential if the team is to press for a playoff push. Vakatawa’s stated aim to mentor younger players dovetails with that message, signalling a concerted effort from senior personnel to steady the group.
The upcoming encounter with the Brumbies presents another test for the Drua’s emerging spine and the veteran-guided youngsters alike. A victory in Canberra would reinforce recent signs of progress and affirm the value of the extra leadership Vakatawa says he has come back to provide.
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