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Fijian Drua look to continue rapid rise with 2024 squad

Fijian Drua huddle after the round six Super Rugby Pacific match between the Melbourne Rebels and the Fijian Drua (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Having improved exponentially throughout their debut two seasons in Super Rugby Pacific, the Fijian Drua are aiming high with their squad for 2024.

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The introduction of the Fijian team to the competition was heralded throughout Fiji’s superb Rugby World Cup run as hugely influential in the team’s success.

The 2024 squad features 18 Flying Fijians as well as five newcomers.

Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans said: “We are proud to present to the people of Fiji their 2024 Drua squad, featuring a host of experienced Fijian internationals alongside a group of talented youngers who are ready to fly the Fiji flag in Drua colours.  Our goal as always is to make the people of Fiji proud. And with seven games in Fiji for the first time ever, our fans can look forward to seeing their favourite players take on some of the world’s best right here at home.”

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Head Coach Mick Byrne added: “We have selected a squad that we believe can compete in one of the world’s toughest club rugby competitions. We will be out to make an even bigger impact in 2024, so it’s fantastic for us to play a record seven games in front of our passionate fans. The seven teams coming over next season will definitely notice that.

“There will be some great competition for spots in the matchday 23 and as coaches, we are looking to the selection headaches this will create.”

The team farewelled experienced first-five eighth Teti Tela, who has retired from first-class rugby following the Rugby World Cup. The club expressed their respect and gratitude for the 32-year-old, labelling his contributions to the young Drua squad “profound”.

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Fijian Drua squad for Super Rugby Pacific 2024

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Tevita Ikanivere
Zuriel Togiatama
Mesulame Dolokoto
Haereiti Hetet
Livai Natave
Emosi Tuqiri
Mesake Doge
Jone Koroiduadua
Samuela Tawake
Meli Tuni
Isoa Nasilasila
Leone Rotuisolia
Etonia Waqa
Sailosi Vukalokalo
Te Cirikidaveta
Meli Derenalagi
Vilive Miramira
Kitione Salawa
Elia Canakaivata
Motikiai Murray
Frank Lomani
Simione Kuruvoli
Peni Matawalu
Philip Baselala
Kemu Valetini
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Isikeli Rabitu
Caleb Muntz (injured, expected to miss 2024 season)
Iosefo Masi
Apisalome Vota
Michael Naitokani
Waqa Nalaga
Ilaisa Droasese
Selestino Ravutaumada
Taniela Rakuro
Epeli Momo
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre

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Philip 3 hours ago
Should England stick or twist with Borthwick? RWC27 clock cannot be used as an excuse

SB won one premiership playing his brand of Rugby but then the other teams found them out, fronted up physically and Tigers game plan was exposed. Under Parling they are a much more attractive version of the Tigers. When the current coaching team were appointed my heart sank because they are inexperienced at test level, they bring nothing fresh and the approach they bring is inflexible. They are completely out of their depth (Blackett apart) I agree what on earth is Wigglesworth doing coaching defence? Think the results speak for themselves. Some of their selections have been unfathomable and lacking imagination. Freeman is not a 13 at the highest level. He is a world class winger. Steward same; just not the same standard as Ramos, Kinghorn and Keenan (when he is fit).Furbank has to come into the equation. Marcus is a 10 not a 15 but he needs a strong 12 to play around. It is way too soon for Pollock to be in the side and he is increasingly a distraction. We need a proper 8 as well. Last night I watched Lawrence, Ojomoh et al take a good Saracens side apart. Why can’t England play like Bath Bristol and Northampton? The answer is because SB doesn’t believe in that style or maybe doesn’t understand how to implement it. The time for change is now not after the RWC. Most England fans would forgive getting beaten in South Africa and Argentina over the summer if there was a new regime in place and signs of change. Fans pay well over the odds to watch England play boring ineffective rugby. I can’t see it happening, but boycotting home games is probably the only message the RFU would understand. The list of names available all represent an improvement. I would also add Rob Baxter; not a fan of Exeter but he always speaks a lot of sense. All said, it’s depressing to think that we are saddled not only with a poor coaching team, but also with the RFU none of whom should be allowed anywhere near the national team(s). Sweeny et al are the real culprits in all of this.

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