Virmi Vakatawa is the final piece in the puzzle to complete the 2026 squad of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition this year.
The former French international and European Player of the Year puts months of ongoing speculation at rest with his inclusion in the team and has been hard at work with the squad in New Zealand for their pre-season trial match today.
In an exclusive interview with Times Sport at the team’s camp, the Ngamuwhaine Lodge, outside Tauranga last night, Vakatawa was thankful for the opportunity to be part of the side.
“I’m so blessed to be part of the (Swire Shipping Fijian) Drua for this new season,” he expressed.
Vakatawa first stirred conversations over the next point in his rugby career when he played in the Naitasiri senior men’s team during the Skipper Cup last year.
And with such a powerful brand of speed, dynamism and force infused into the player, entering Super Rugby through the Drua has been a long time coming for him.
“I remember back in the days, I used to watch Super 12, and then Super 14 and then now it’s Super Rugby,” he explained.
“It’s quite fast and we also know the skills levels of the players that are coming from this competition.”
Speaking from his experience in France, he relayed how Super Rugby had laid the groundwork for those players leaving the competition for French rugby to be formidable players in their own right.
In returning to Fiji, it marks a new beginning for him.
“The journey I’ve been through, it’s been tough and I want to give thanks to the Lord for coming with me and leading me throughout the journey from France,” he said.
Teammate Tuidraki Samusamuvodre shared his excitement in playing alongside Vakatawa.
“I’m excited to play again with him, especially with his CV (curriculum vitae) coming along,” he said.
“He’s come a long way and it’ll be good to rub shoulders with him in the game.”
Fijian Drua general manager commercial Shane Hussein shared similar sentiments.
“He is hungry to make a positive contribution to the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua both on and off the field using his wealth of experience and exceptional skill set,” Hussein said.
Meanwhile, the Fijian Drua face the Chiefs in their Super Rugby Pacific pre-season trial match at Blake Park in Mount Maunganui at 2pm today.
