Brad Mooar names eight newcomers in first Fijian Drua squad as head coach

New Fijian Drua head coach Brad Mooar isn’t the only new face in camp for the 2027 season, with the talent-rich Islands of Fiji producing a new wave of players ready to make their name in Super Rugby Pacific.

The 2027 squad features eight Drua Originals, eight new faces, and 489 Tests of international experience. Mike Catt has joined Mooar’s staff as lead assistant.

Harold Rounds, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Leone Nakarawa, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Isi Naisarani, Josefa Namosimalua, Ben Volavola, and Nacani Boginisoko are the newbies, providing youthful energy across the outside backs, flyhalves, loose forwards, locks and props.

Haereiti Hetet, Meli Tuni, Mesulame Dolokoto, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Frank Lomani and Meli Derenalagi will be on hand to mentor the younger newcomers, with the latter, former team captain Derenalagi, set to make his long-awaited return after missing the 2026 season due to successive injury setbacks.

There were eight significant departures over the offseason, with Halfback Simione Kurovoli, fullback Ilaisa Droasese, lock Isoa Nasilasila, utility forward Joseva Tamani, No.8 Elia Canakaivata, flanker Etonia Waqa, winger Ponipate Loganimasi, and centre Inia Tabuavou all ending their time at the club.

But Drua Player of the Year and Drua Players’ Player of the Year, Kitione Salawa, is sure to continue his ascension with another big year for the Drua, as is the club’s all-time leading points scorer, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, who now has the guidance of 48-Test Flying Fijian Ben Volavola.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Fijian Drua

19:35

12 Feb 27

Highlanders

All Stats and Data

The 2027 Fijian Drua squad

PROPS
Emosi Tuqiri
Haereiti Hetet
Meli Tuni
Peni Ravai
Harold Rounds
Inoke Ravuiwasa
Mesake Doge

HOOKERS
Mesulame Dolokoto
Kavaia Tagivetaua
Penaia Cakobau
Sairusi Ravudi

LOCKS
Leone Nakarawa
Meli Derenalagi
Mesake Vocevoce
Temo Mayanavanua

LOOSE FORWARDS
Manueli Ratuniyarawa
Isi Naisarani
Isoa Tuwai
Kitione Salawa
Motikiai Murray
Vilive Miramira
Josefa Namosimalua

HALFBACKS
Frank Lomani
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
Philip Baselala

FIRST FIVES
Ben Volavola
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Kemu Valetini

MIDFIELDERS
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Virimi Vakatawa
Maika Tuitubou
Iosefo Namoce

OUTSIDE BACKS
Epeli Momo
Taniela Rakuro
Joji Nasova
Manasa Mataele
Isikeli Rabitu
Isikeli Basiyalo
Nacani Boginisoko