Ex-France powerhouse Virimi Vakatawa joins Fijian Drua

The Fijian Drua have signed former France international Virimi Vakatawa ahead of the 2026 season, adding serious punch to the club’s midfield.

Vakatawa made 32 appearances for France and played more than 80 tournaments for the France Sevens team, earning a reputation as one of the world’s premier game-breakers.

Vakatawa’s club career includes two stints at Racing 92, where he established himself as one of the Top 14’s most prolific try-scoring threats when he returned to the club after calling time on his Sevens career.

In 2022, it was announced that Vakatawa would be retiring from professional rugby due to a heart condition. A year later, a panel of experts cleared him to play, and Vakatawa signed a two-year deal with the Bristol Bears.

Leaving the UK after the 2024 season, Vakatawa played club rugby in Fiji in 2025 and has been training with the Drua during the team’s offseason.

“I’m so thankful that, with my experience, I can help these young men and share with them my experience from France and my playing career,” Vakatawa said.

“I know the future of Fiji rugby is in this squad, and I’ve watched them, I’ve trained with them, and I know that they will go further in their career.”

The Drua lost electric centre Iofeso Masi to Lyon after the 2025 season, with winger Salestino Ravutaumada and playmaker Caleb Muntz also opting to take deals in the Top 14. Team captain Tevita Kianivere has also departed to join Mie Honda Heat in Japan.

Vakatawa’s signing comes as one of the biggest recruitments in the Drua’s short history in Super Rugby Pacific, and the club was excited to officially welcome the powerhouse to the family.

“The Club is delighted to have Virimi join us,” Fijian Drua General Manager Commercial Shane Hussein said.

“He is hungry to make a positive contribution to the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, both on and off the field, using his wealth of experience and exceptional skill set.”