REFINING the skills, physicality and flair of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s players who were part of the FIJI Water
Flying Fijians this year will be a pillar of strength for them.
This is what head coach Mick Byrne attests to, as the Drua made up a substantial number of players within the side throughout the year and as recently as the Autumn Nations Test Series.
“I think Fiji Drua is definitely helping
Fiji Rugby, they have those players come in that are training professionally week in and week out to join our Northern Hemisphere players,” Coach Byrne highlighted.
The Drua had fielded as many as 12 players in Fiji’s final Test clash against Ireland on Monday and several others on a rotational basis in previous outings.
The 12 Drua players for Monday’s were co-captain Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Vocevoce, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia
Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Ponipate Loganimasi, Vuate Karawalevu,
Haereiti Hetet, Samuela Tawake and Peni Matawalu.
He added their inclusion into the seasoned team already made up of experienced players would aid greatly in their development, particularly when the Fijian Drua were heading into its third year as a rugby club.
“And then when we come together as a national team, the depth is there, and it does really well for the future of Fiji rugby to have that professional side operating down in the Southern Hemisphere and bringing the two groups of players together is a real good thing for the future.”
