RUGBY jerseys and boots were swapped for formal attire last night when the Fijian Drua gathered for the McDonald’s Fiji Drua Presentation Night.
The ceremony took place at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island in Nadi where the club’s stakeholders gathered to reflect on the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season and honour the achievements of those who made key contributions.
Eight awards were presented as departing players were acknowledged such as Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Joseva Tamani, Ilaisa Droasese, Simione Kuruvoli and Isoa Nasilasila, along with departing staff members Tim Sampson, Qio Vucago and head coach Glen Jackson.
Fijian Drua chief executive officer Jeff Miller thanked sponsors, families and fans for their continued commitment to the club.
Punjas Rookie of the Year: Sairusi Ravudi – Voted on by the men’s coaching staff in an award recognising his successful adaptation to the demands of professional rugby while showing strong professionalism, discipline and self-leadership.
Tanoa Hotels Community Champion: Inia Tabuavou – He was the unanimous choice for the award after leading community visits and sponsor appearances across Fiji while contributing on the field.
Flick Hygiene Personal Development Award: Samuela Tawake – He demonstrated outstanding initiative and discipline in developing his Life After Rugby journey; balancing the demands of professional sport while successfully establishing business ventures alongside his wife.
Encore Players’ Player of the Year: Kitione Salawa – This award is one of the club’s most respected honours and recognised Salawa’s consistency and influence within the playing group in an award voted on by the players after every match throughout this season.
Mogul Dausoko Award: Mesake Doge – The widespread respect he earned throughout the Fijian Drua through his professionalism, humility and commitment to the team environment affirmed the award’s criteria of being handed to someone who embodied the Drua’s values while placing the team’s needs before self.
Tropik Wood Fan Player of the Year: Manasa Mataele – The award was determined by supporters through fan voting conducted in the season. He finished his first Drua season with six tries.
McDonald’s Fiji Player of the Year: Kitione Salawa – The club’s highest individual honour for a player whose performances, consistency, leadership and overall contribution had the greatest impact throughout the season. The club said he was a deserving recipient of the accolade.
FijiCare Try of the Year
This winner was selected by attendees when this edition went to press last night. Nominees: Etonia Waqa (round three for Drua v Hurricanes), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (round nine, Drua v Western Force) and Simione Kuruvoli (round 10, Brumbies v Drua).
