EXTENSIONS have been inked for Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players Isikeli Basiyalo, Meli Derenalagi, Harold Rounds, Virimi Vakatawa and Kemu Valetini with the club.
Former captain Derenalagi has re-signed ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season after a long-term knee injury in the 2025 season effectively ruling him out last season and a second knee reconstruction extending his rehab period.
Basiyalo, who made his Super Rugby Pacific debut against the Western Force last season, re-signed for another season and expressed his gratitude for an opportunity to continue with the team.
Rounds, who joined the Drua Development team last year, continues with the club after a first season of achievements such as being its co-captain and is relishing the chance to “grow, work hard and give everything I’ve got for the team.”
Vakatawa, a former French international and current Flying Fijian whose Drua signing was received with critical acclaim from rugby pundits and fans, returns after a stellar debut season where he made 10 appearances and scored a try with the intent of wanting to “contribute as much as I can to the team.”
Valetini returns to the Drua for a fourth year after making his debut in 2023 and has since made 34 appearances and scored 61 points as a integral part of the Drua backline with his experience and versatility in that area.
“Harold (Rounds), Meli (Derenalagi), Kemu (Valetini), Virimi (Vakatawa) and Isikeli (Basiyalo) all bring a superb mix of talent, skill-sets and experience with them,” Mooar said.
Meanwhile, the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season will start on February 13, 2027 when the Drua face the Highlanders at home at 3.30pm.
