THE Drua Rugby program has had a notable positive influence on local rugby competitions by allowing non-playing Fijian Drua men’s and women’s players to participate every week.
This initiative has proven beneficial for both the players and the competitions themselves, showcasing an improvement in the overall quality of play.
Players include Merewairita Veisova, Loraini Senivutu, and Salanieta Kinita from the Fijiana Drua team, who have made significant impacts for the Kadavu side in the Royal Tea Ranadi competition.
Also, Motikiai Murray, representing the Fijian Drua team, has brought a fresh burst of energy to the Naitasiri team, while 19-year-old flyhalf Isikeli Rabitu turned out for Lautoka on Saturday.
Fiji Rugby Union operation manager Jikoibau Matawalu has emphasised the reciprocal positive impact the program has had across the local rugby competitions.
“We could see the reciprocal positive impact the Drua program has on the Skipper and ANZ Marama competition, where non-playing Fijiana and Fijian Drua players get released to play for unions of their choice to gain game time,” said Matawalu.
“It is lifting the standard of the competition, where these players come in and assist their respective teams with better game management, while they accumulate game time, which is also witnessed when they are selected to play for Fijian Drua on any given game.”
Drua CEO Mark Evans had welcomed the initiative to have the local competitions run parallel to the Super Rugby competition to allow members of the extended Drua squad to have much needed game time.
