Fijian Drua announce departures of eight Flying Fijians

The Fijian Drua have revealed the eight players and three staff members who have concluded their time with the club after their 2026 season ended.

Of the eight departing players, all have Test experience with the Fijian national team, accounting for 92 Flying Fijian caps.

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 are the departing players.

Droasese, Nasilasila, and Tamani have been with the club since their debut season in Super Rugby in 2022. Tabuavou is the youngest of the cohort at 23, with the rest in their late 20s.

While Glen Jackson’s departure as head coach was announced on April 13, the club has now confirmed that fellow staff members Tim Sampson and Qio Vucago will follow him out the door.

The leaving club members were recognised at the club’s awards night this week.

“As you can see, we’re losing a lot. That’s not an important thing around the Drua, because we always need the turnover of players,” Jackson said. “As we know, this country lives and breathes rugby, and if we don’t have a turnover in this club, then we’re stopping young men from putting on the blue jersey.

“A massive credit to everyone that’s leaving; it’s not a sad thing, it’s a good thing. Young men decide to go overseas and try something different. That’s what rugby brings, and that’s the importance of this game.”

The coach left a departing message of hope and confidence that the Fijian club can achieve greatness in Super Rugby Pacific.

“I talk about memories a lot, but it really is about winning memories. We’ve created memories, boys, but really, it’s time to start winning memories.

“We need to keep this brand strong. This is the best brand in Super Rugby, and I totally believe that this club can win many, many trophies.”

Drua CEO Jeff Miller was pleased to share findings from research by ANZ, which estimated that the Drua added approximately $108 million to Fiji’s GDP in 2025, up more than $40 million from 2023.

The night’s big winner on the awards front was loose forward Kitione Salawa, who took home both the McDonald’s Fiji Men’s Player of the Year Award and the Enore Players’ Player of the Year Award.

2026 Fijian Drua season award winners

McDonald’s Fiji Men’s Player of the Year: Kitione Salawa
Enore Players’ Player of the Year: Kitione Salawa
Punjas Men’s Rookie of the Year: Sairusi Ravudi
Tanoa Hotels Community Champion Award: Inia Tabuavou
Flick Hygiene Personal Development Award: Samuela Tawake
Tropik Wood Men’s Fan Player of the Year: Manasa Mataele