Lock Sailosi Vukalokalo, flanker and Fiji Under-20 captain Motikiai Murray, fly-half Isikeli Rabitu, halfback Philip Baselala and winger Taniela Rakuro have been promoted to the main Swire Shipping Fijian Drua ahead of the 2024 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
They have all signed full-time multi-year contracts with the Fijian Drua, allowing them to compete for a place in the matchday 23 next season.
Baselala, Rakuro and Murray have already played in Super Rugby Pacific last season on short-term contracts after starting out with the development group in 2023.
The upgrade to fulltime main squad contracts is just reward for the trio who made valuable contributions to the Drua’s success last season.
Joining them in 2024 will be Sailosi Vukalokalo and Rabitu, who impressed the club with their work rate, exceptional skills and adaptability to the requirements of professional rugby.
General Manager Rugby Nico Andrade congratulated the five players saying the Drua’s roots are now firmly planted in Fiji.
“The progression of talented young players from the local pathways to professional status is well underway. The club has invested significantly in the setting up of the Drua Development group with a clear objective – to bring in talented young players identified in partnership with Fiji Rugby and prepare them for life as a professional rugby player.”
He added the progress of these players proves that they are on the right track. Baselala made two appearances for the Drua this season, while Rakuro featured seven times, scoring four outstanding tries.
Murray made his maiden Super Rugby Pacific appearance in the Drua’s historic first quarter-final appearance against the Crusaders last season.
He also captained the Fiji U20 side in the World Championships earlier in the year.
Rabitu came straight out of the secondary school’s scene, representing Suva Grammar School in the Deans competition.
The 19-year-old promising fly-half also represented Fiji in the U20s last year.
Vukalokalo who is a former Queen Victoria and Marist Brothers High School student was part of the World Rugby Pacific Combine and the Fiji Warriors team last year.
