Drua squad boosted
THE inclusion of the Flying Fijians players has boosted the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua squad for the 2023 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Flying Fijians prop Mesake Doge has returned home from Europe (Dragons and Brive), bringing in valuable experience to the Drua front row.
Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne said the Flying Fijians players had joined them. He said they went through some testing during the first week.
“So we got them in the groove and it was good to see the numbers on the field,” Bryne said.
“Having them being through preseason, seven or eight weeks of training, is good. Without them and to have 12 or 13 players down wouldn’t have been good. We have them on the track and there is a lot of energy and a bit more chaos around training which is good.”
The Fijian Drua will begin its season against Moana Pasifika in Auckland on February 25.
Byrne said during the first week of training the new boys found out that they were getting left behind by the rest of the group.
“So the new boys found out that they needed to lift their intensity,” Byrne said.
“I think last week they found out that they needed to step up. So now they need to step up in the next few weeks. But they should not have any trouble because they have the experience.”
Main 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