A MIX of the inspiring and inspired will be featured in the Fijian Drua’s development squad for the curtain raiser against the Ba Rugby team tomorrow.
Former French rugby international and senior Drua player Virimi Vakatawa will lead the development team forth to battle after midday.
His inclusion is boosted with the likes of Joseva Tamani, Taniela Rakuro, Inia Tabuavou, Maika Tuitubou, Isikeli Basiyalo and Manasa Mataele.
While the club’s development players will feature, seven players from local clubs have been invited to join the ranks such as Sakiusa Lewenilovo, Sosiceni Waqa, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Mika Delana, Emosi Mayanavanua and Tevita Natoga.
Drua development coach Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani has affirmed how the match serves as a connection between club and professional rugby.
“One of the big benefits of playing against club sides is that it gives us an opportunity to have a closer look at these players in a competitive environment,” Nadolo-Kuridrani said.
And in stressing how important the invited club players could expand their prowess and highlight their talents, he says the team has kept a close eye on them throughout club competitions.
“We are excited to see these seven young men step, showcase their skills on a bigger stage and test themselves against a strong Ba side.”
The curtain-raiser at 12.30pm is the prelude to the highly-anticipated 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific round five clash between the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and the Brumbies at 3.35pm at the 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba.
Match-day squad: 1-JD Sivivatu Kanth, 2-Mesulame Dolokoto, 3-Joshua Uluibau, 4-Jeneiro Wakeham, 5-Sailosi Vukalokalo, 6-Joseva Tamani, 7-Sakiusa Lewenilovo, 8-Sosiceni Waqa, 9-Garlen Peace, 10-Pita Manamanaivalu, 11-Taniela Rakuro, 12-Virimi Vakatawa (captain), 13-Inia Tabuavou, 14-Maika Tuitubou, 15-Isikeli Basiyalo.
Impact: 16-Mika Delana, 17-Breyton Legge, 18-Emosi Mayanavanua, 19-Tomasi Vunibola, 20-Tevita Natoga, 21-Meli Dreu, 22-Bogi Kikau, 23-Maleli Nauvasi, 24-Manasa Mataele
