FOUR development players from the Fijian Drua have been promoted to the main Swire Shipping-sponsored squad after its squad line-up for the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season was announced in Nadi earlier this week.
These players are wingers Isikeli Basiyalo and Aisea Nawai, centre Maika Tuitubou and hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua.
The quartet have signed full-time multi-year contracts which make them eligible for selection in the match-day 23 for the new season of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Head coach Glen Jackson said their promotion to the main squad was a cause for celebration.
“They have worked hard to earn these upgrades, it’s brilliant for them and bolsters our squad significantly. All of them are raring to go and fight for spots in the matchday 23 every week,” Jackson said.
Basiyalo’s ascension to the main squad comes after his stint in the club’s development team, and having played for the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team at the Hong Kong 7s in March this year.
The young player from Nadroga was also a part of the national under-20 team last year.
Nawai like Basiyalo, share similar paths in their ascension to inclusion in the main side having been a part of the Fiji 7s team to the Hong Kong 7s this year and played for the Fiji U20.
Tuitubou, is a rookie in the 2026 season of Super Rugby Pacific and will be a player to watch as he takes up his role as outside centre.
Tagivetaua, at hooker, has already had a feel of rugby at high levels of competition, having been a part of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians 2025 squad while remaining uncapped and being captain of the Fiji U20 side during the 2023 World Cup Championship.
Full squad
Loosehead Props: Emosi Tugiri, Haereiti Hetet, Peni Ravai.
Hookers: Zuriel Togiatama, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Mesulame Dolokoto.
Tighthead Props: Mesake Doge, Samuela Tawake, Meli Tuni.
Locks: Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Vilive Miramira, Temo Mayanavanua, Angelo Smith.
Backrows: Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray, Etonia Waga, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Tuwai.
Half Backs: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa.
Flyhalves: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu, Kemu Valetini.
Centres: Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Inia Tabuavou, Joji Nasova Maika Tuitubou, losefo Namoce.
Outside Backs: llaisa Droasese, Epeli Momo, Taniela Rakuro, Ponipate Loganimasi, Manasa Mataele, Aisea Nawai, Isikeli Basiyalo.
