Tevita Ikanivere, captain of the SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua, attributes his success on the rugby field to the unwavering support of his small family, his wife and young son, Tevita Ikanivere Jr.
According to the hooker, they inspire him to be a better father, husband, and rugby player, driving him to work not just for his goals but to make his family proud and happy.
Reflecting on the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, Ikanivere celebrated playing all 13 games and starting every match while proudly wearing the number 2 jersey.
He also relished the responsibility of captaining the Drua on several occasions.
His proudest moment, however, was captaining the Flying Fijians, a dream come true in his early career.
Ikanivere is deeply grateful for the strength, courage, and good health provided by God, as well as the support of his family.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, his goal is clear: to lead the Drua to victory and claim the Super Rugby Pacific trophy, a goal he is fully committed to achieving.
Ikanivere is a leading figure in the team, which has been preparing for the past nine weeks for the next season.
The team will spend a few days on Kadavu next week, as part of their pre-season training plans for this year.
His small but unwavering support system, his wife and young son, Tevita Ikanivere Jr. has been the bedrock of his achievements.
“It feels great to have my small family around,” Ikanivere shared.
“They make me a better father, husband, and rugby player. Knowing that I am working not just for my own goals but to make my family better and happy drives me forward.”
Reflecting on the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, Ikanivere described it as a year filled with milestones.
“It’s always a privilege to play for the Fijian Drua. This year, I got to play 13 games and started in all of them while proudly wearing the number 2 jersey. It’s something I’ve worked hard to earn,” he said.
Leading the Drua on a few occasions was another highlight for the hooker.
“Being entrusted with the responsibility of captaining the team this year was an honor. It’s a big responsibility, but it was a privilege I embraced wholeheartedly,” he added.
However, his proudest moment came off the Flying Fijians campaign.
“The biggest privilege of my life was captaining the Flying Fijians,” Ikanivere shared.
“I never dreamed I’d have this opportunity so early in my career. But God works in mysterious ways, and I’m grateful for the strength, courage, and good health He has given me, as well as the support of my great family.”
As the year ends, Ikanivere is already setting his sights on the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
His goal is clear: “I’ve been with the Drua for three years now. Next year, I want to win that trophy. It’s something I’m committed to achieving.”
