MAIKA Tuitubou will earn his first Swire Shipping Fijian Drua cap this Sunday at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, with head coach Glen Jackson naming the former Swami Vivekananda College student at outside centre for the Super Round clash against competition leaders, the Chiefs.
Tuitubou is a product of the Nadi Rugby U19, Fiji U20s and the Drua development pathway.
The Lakeba, Lau native, with maternal links to Moala, Nadi, featured for the national U20 side on their New Zealand tour and at the 2023 World Rugby Under-20 Championship.
He later represented the Fiji Warriors in 2023 and 2024 before being placed by the Drua at Norths Rugby Club in Queensland’s Hospital Cup.
Co-captain Frank Lomani returns from injury to bolster this week’s matchday 23, with Taniela Rakuro, Haereiti Hetet and Peni Ravai also back in the line-up.
In the starting 15, Hetet (1) will make his 47th Drua appearance at loosehead prop, with Mesake Doge (3) at tighthead and Zuriel Togiatama (2) at hooker.
Mesake Vocevoce (4) starts at lock alongside co-captain Temo Mayanavanua (5).
Etonia Waqa (6) takes up the blindside flanker role, with Kitione Salawa (7) at openside and Isoa Tuwai (8) retaining his place at number eight.
In the backline, Lomani (9) partners Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (10) in the halves. Last week’s double try-scorer Manasa Mataele (11) starts on the left wing, with Rakuro (14) on the right. Virimi Vakatawa (12) lines up at inside centre, with Tuitubou (13) outside him, while Ilaisa Droasese (15) returns at fullback.
On the bench, Kavaia Tagivetaua (16), Emosi Tuqiri (17) and Peni Ravai provide frontrow cover. Isoa Nasilasila (19) covers the locks, while Elia Canakaivata (20) provides loose forward cover. Simione Kuruvoli (21) backs up the halves, Kemu Valetini (22) covers the midfield, and Inia Tabuavou (23) completes the squad as back-three cover.
Meanwhile, the Drua will be without several players. Isikeli Rabitu is sidelined due to concussion, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Isikeli Basiyalo are out with leg injuries, Ponipate Loganimasi has an arm injury, while Epeli Momo and Meli Tuni are both ruled out with knee injuries.
