Months after the news of Fijian Drua co-captain Tevita Ikanivere leaving the club, Japanese club MIE Honda Heat finally revealed his signing on Monday.
The club which competes in the Japanese Rugby League One made the announcement n its website, welcoming the players joining for the 2025/2026 season.
Ikanivere is joined by backrower Aseri Masivou who has been playing in Japan.
The 26-year-old has been silent on his signing, saying that he will wait for the club to announce.
“I’m thankful and grateful to MIE Honda Heat for giving me this opportunity, my family and I are very excited about moving to Japan and being a part of the family.
“I’m looking forward to helping MIE Honda Heat try win the competition in the coming years and I am also very excited at the feeling of playing in front of an amazing Japanese crowd of fans and supporters,” he said.
Last month, Ikanivere stated in an interview that although he is leaving, the Drua will always be home to him.
“I’ll still continue to play rugby but just not in the Drua. The Drua will still be home to me.
“God-willing in a few years time I might be back and be in the Drua colours again here at home,” he said.
Ikanivere is the captain of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians preparing for its second Test of the season against Scotland which will be held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday at 3pm.
