Fiji Pearls hit the sand dunes ahead of tour
THE Fiji Pearls netball side is hitting the famous Sigatoka sand dunes once a week as they prepare to for the Nations Cup in Singapore.
Netball Fiji CEO Vivian Koster said the visits to Sigatoka would help the team prepare for the intense matches.
Fiji will play against Botswana, Ireland,
Malaysia and two teams from Singapore.
“This is a way of doing something different. It’s about the players getting ready for the high intensity training off the field,” Koster said.
She added playing teams from different regions will help the Fiji Pearls players learn the different styles of plays.
“Botswana play the African style of netball, Malaysia and Singapore bring the Asian style while Ireland brings the European pattern of netball. This is something good for us.
“We will also get an opportunity to test our new players who have not had much experience on the international stage. This will help us prepare well for the upcoming Netball World Championship.”
The final 12-member team to Singapore will be named today. The the team leaves on Saturday.
THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has named five new players for the 2023 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific tournament which kicks off in February next year.
The five new players announced in the 38-member squad include gold-medal winning Olympian and Rugby 7s World Cup winner Iosefo Masi, fellow 7s World Cup winner Elia Canakaivata, former Melbourne Rebels squad member Emosi Tuqiri, Nadroga centre Michael Naitokani and Flying Fijians prop Mesake Doge.
Doge returns home from Europe (Dragons and Brive) to bring valuable experience to the Drua front row in 2023.
The 2023 Fijian Drua squad features 15 Flying Fijians as well as two wider Flying Fijians squad members and will be captained by Ratu Meli Derenalagi.
The club has farewelled a number of players from its inaugural season which are Nemani Nagusa, Baden Kerr, Kitione Ratu, Onisi Ratave, Manasa Saulo, Jona Mataciwa, Viliame Rarasea and Leone Nawai.
“This squad announcement is another exciting milestone in the very short history of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua,” said head coach Mick Byrne said.
“We are impressed with the development of our current squad members during the off-season. We have added a couple of new faces and they have been training well.”
The Drua kick off their Super Rugby season against Moana Pasifika in Auckland on February 25.
Squad
Prop: Mesake Doge, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Timoci Sauvoli, Samuela Tawake, Meli Tuni, Emosi Tuqiri, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa; Hooker: Mesulame Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama; Lock: Chris Minimbi, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Rotuisolia, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele; Backrow: Elia Canakaivata, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Raikabula Momoedonu, Rusiate Nasove, Kitione Salawa, Joseva Tamani; Scrumhalf: Simione Kuruvoli, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu; Flyhalf: Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela; Centre: Iosefo Masi, Michael Naitokani, Kalione Nasoko, Apisalome Vota; Back three: Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi; Utility: Ilaisa Droasese, Kitione Taliga, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre