Fiji Sun

Drua Wins are Enticing says Byrne

- WAISEA NASOKIA Grass: Grass: Stand: 2: 1: silver: Gold: Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have yesterday announced the signing of France-based outside back Epeli Momo for the 2024 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.

Momo returns home after a threeyear stint with Pro D2 club Montauban.

Fijian Drua general manager rugby, Nico Andrade welcomed the 23-year-old back home: “Epeli is no stranger to Fijian rugby having come through the Fiji Rugby Union high performanc­e pathway. He has played alongside current Drua players throughout his time in the Fiji Warriors and U20s programmes.

“Epeli comes highly regarded for his athleticis­m and positional flexibilit­y which will be an added advantage to our team. We are excited about the contributi­on he will make as we head into our third Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.

“It’s wonderful to be able to welcome yet another young Fijian home by giving them a profession­al pathway right here among their family, friends and community.” Momo’s name popped up alongside

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Eroni Sau as elusive winger Vinaya Habosi’s replacemen­t early this season.

France-based Sau is now in the Drua side with Drua developmen­t squad member and Nadroga winger, Taniela Rakuro who has now secured a fulltime contract after Habosi’s departure.

Meanwhile head coach Mick Byrne

added that following Drua’s wins over Crusaders, Hurricane, Rebels, and Moana Pasifika the results have enticed overseas-based players to return home.

“We continuall­y are in a unique situation here on the island because we continuall­y think we’re having a bit of success,” Byrne said.

“Earlier, we’ve had a couple of wins, and beating the Crusaders made people overseas look over and go, not just our fans, but some going on.

“There might be something happening over there. So our good form is encouragin­g because there are a couple of players that are sort of looking to come back at some stage in the next couple of years.”

The Fijian Drua will take on Moana Pasifika at 2:05pm this Saturday

 ?? ?? Epeli Momo (right) has signed with the Fijian Drua.
Epeli Momo (right) has signed with the Fijian Drua.

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