Fijian Drua bolster squad with signing of ex-Rebels lock Angelo Smith

Former Melbourne Rebels lock Angelo Smith has committed to the Fijian Drua for the next two Super Rugby Pacific seasons, bolstering a squad that recently farewelled five club stalwarts, including last season’s co-captain Tevita Ikanivere.

Ikanivere is one of four foundation players who have decided to leave the Drua, with the others being Caleb Muntz, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia and Selestino Ravutaumada. Flying Fijians centre Iosefo Masi has also been confirmed as one of the departing five.

With the Drua set to usher in a new era next season without these club greats, the signing of Smith is an important pickup for the Fijians ahead of the 2026 campaign. Smith has played 20 matches in Super Rugby, which included a memorable stint with the Rebels.

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The 24-year-old is originally from Nananu, Tailevu, and attended Marist Brothers High School in Suva before representing Fiji U20. Smith signed for the Waratahs in 2024 but is now set for another chapter in Super Rugby with the Drua.

“I am really looking forward to it, been playing my rugby away from home, very excited to play some footy in front of my family and friends,” Smith said in a statement.

Smith debuted for the Rebels on March 3, 2023, in a six-point loss to the Hurricanes at AAMI Park. The second-rower played another seven matches that season, which included starts against Moana Pasifika and the ACT Brumbies.

In the Rebels’ last season in Super Rugby, Smith was a regular starter, wearing the No. 4 jersey in eight of 12 appearances. Smith scored tries that season against the Hurricanes, Drua, and the Brumbies – before starting in their quarter-final away to the Canes.

Smith played almost 600 minutes of Super Rugby that season, and while the lock didn’t take the field in 2025 with the Tahs, the addition of the tight five enforcer to the Drua squad is a big boost for a club eager to improve on a disappointing campaign.

“Angelo is a quality player with 20 Super Rugby caps to his name,” Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby, Baden Stephenson, explained.

“He will add size, skill, speed and experience to our forward pack.

“It is great that players want to return home and Angelo’s best rugby is in front of him. I have every confidence that he will take this opportunity and love the Drua rugby environment.”

It was announced last week the Drua had also signed Suva centre Iosefo Namoce on a two-year deal. Namoce has been described a “standout” in Fiji’s provincial competition, and the midfielder also enjoyed a spell with Gungahlin Eagles First Grade in Canberra.

With the ability to cover both positions in the midfield, inside and outside centre, that’s another important pickup for the Drua ahead of the new campaign.

“I am feeling a mix of excitement, pressure and nerves but ready to contribute and make a positive impact to the club next season,” Namoce, 23, said in a statement.

Stephenson added: “Our club is very excited about Iosefo joining the Fijian Drua. He is a player that has attributes that align to the Drua playing style and identity.

“Iosefo’s journey hasn’t always been straight forward, however, I am confident that our rugby environment can fast-track him into a quality Super Rugby Pacific player.”