LET Virimi Vakatawa prove this Saturday why he is now part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua!
That’s the word from head coach Glen Jackson, when asked by the media yesterday if the former French international had what it took to perform in a high-intensity environment such as Super Rugby.
“We’ll tell you on Saturday,” Jackson said, referring to their opening 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific fixture against Moana Pasifika.
“But yes, I think what we saw against the Chiefs and the Skipper Cup team, he’s really put it; he wants to be here and he wants to win.”
Jackson then highlighted how Vakatawa’s illustrious experience of being a former French international who has also played in the Six Nations Rugby competition was an additional tick in the boxes for him to be part of the Fijian Drua.
Vakatawa’s depth in the backline will boost the efforts of those in the midfield such as Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, which Jackson says is a good collaboration.
“To have his experience from Six Nations (Rugby) and France and what he’s done overseas, just in the midfield to help Tuidraki (Samusamuvodre) I think was always on the up since he’s been here so that’s a good centre partnership.”
The former European Player of the Year had to retire from rugby in France with Top 14 club Racing 92 in September 2022 due to a cardiac issue.
It was the halting point for an experienced player who arrived in France when he was 17-years-old.
According to media reports at the time, the cardiac anomaly was detected before the 2019 Rugby World Cup and had evolved to a point where the club’s doctor said it posed a great risk.
While his medical background may stir concerns as the Super Rugby Pacific season begins, coach Jackson believes his inclusion will bring about order through his calm and cool nature.
“He’s still got unbelievable touches of class, but just his cool head around our young team makes things really well,” Jackson emphasised.
“He’s fit, he’s chomping at the bit and I’m really excited to see him run out for the Drua.”
The Fijian Drua meets Moana Pasifika at 3.30pm at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
