THE Fijian Drua team yesterday announced five forwards and two backline additions to the squad for its inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Wave Six-player announcements feature seasoned reps and exciting young prospects as the Fijian Drua continues on its maiden voyage to Super Rugby.
These include Flying Fijians Mesulame Dolokoto, Teti Tela and Haereiti Hetet, Fijian U20 and Warriors star Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, young Nadi standout forward Vilive Miramira, and NZ-based Counties Manukau NPC stars Zuriel Togiatama and Viliame Rarasea.
Fijian Drua interim chief executive officer Brian Thorburn said, “Wave Six announcement sees seven strong additions to our foundation squad for the 2021 season. We are delighted to continue this journey of onboarding players who will etch their name in Fijian Rugby history.
“Leading Wave Six as Drua No.28 is hooker Dolokoto Mesu is one of Fiji’s best hookers, and has consistently featured on most Flying Fijians’ international tours and Test matches held in Fiji since his debut.
“Drua No.29 is the very exciting young Fijian flyhalf and fullback Samusamuvodre. He has recently been playing for the New England Freejacks in the US Major League Rugby.
“Drua No.30, Teti Tela, is another major boost to our backline stocks as a flyhalf or inside centre. Teti has been part of the wider Flying Fijians set-up for a couple of years.
“Drua No. 31 is a young local bolter, loose forward Vilive Miramira. His inclusion will surely delight local rugby fans.
“Drua No.32 is young Counties Manukau hooker Zuriel Togiatama. Zuriel comes through the Ardmore Marist Rugby Club in New Zealand and the Counties Manukau Steelers.
“Drua No.33, Viliame Rarasea, is another Counties Manukau star who came through the Fijian U20 and New Zealand’s NPC.
“Drua No.34 is prop Haereiti Hetet, one of Fiji Rugby’s brightest stars.
“In addition, the Fijian Drua also confi rmed that injured Flying Fijians, Fijian 7s and NRC Drua star Alivereti Veitokani is part of the wider Drua set-up.
