Drua

The Fijian Drua is a professional rugby union team that competes in the Super Rugby competition. They are the only team in Super Rugby to represent the island nation of Fiji. The Fijian Drua are one of the competition’s newest sides, joining Super Rugby along with Moana Pasifika in 2022. While their history in Super Rugby is undoubtedly very short, the Fijian Drua represent Fiji’s long-held passion for rugby.

Fijians have played rugby for over 108 years, with Fijian players and fans dreaming to join the Super Rugby competition since its formation over two decades ago. That dream was realised in 2022, but the history of the Fijian Drua goes back a little further than that.

Early years in the NRC

In 2017, the Fiji Rugby Union entered its own team into Australia’s National Rugby Championship. This team would soon be named the Fijian Drua. In their first season competing in the NRC, the Drua had a strong showing, finishing in 3rd place.

The Drua really got going in their second NRC season, winning all but one match during the regular season. This loss came against Queensland County, who the Drua subsequently got their revenge on in the final, defeating them by a score of 36-26 to claim the 2018 NRC title.

The 2019 season saw the Drua make the playoffs once more, but they came up short, losing to the Canberra Vikings.

The Fijian Drua didn’t play in 2020, as the NRC’s season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entry into Super Rugby

Previously, the Super Rugby competition featured four South African teams, one Argentine team, and one Japanese team, but all of these licenses expired after the 2020 season. After two pandemic altered seasons in 2020 and 2021, Super Rugby announced that two new teams would join the competition: the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika. With the addition of these two new teams, the competition officially rebranded itself as Super Rugby Pacific.

The addition of these teams, one from Fiji and another representing the pacific islands, marked a step forward for the competition. Both the Drua and Moana Pasifika were confirmed for the 2022 and 2023 Super Rugby seasons.

The Fijian Drua’s first Super Rugby season was also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as the side was forced to play the majority of its 2022 home matches in Australia instead of Fiji. The Drua saw little success during its Super Rugby debut, winning only two matches and finishing 11^th in the final standings, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

However, their 2023 season has been a different story. Now playing their home games in Fiji, the Drua have pulled off dramatic and memorable wins against the Hurricanes and the Crusaders. At the time of writing, they find themselves in 8^th place with a playoff spot. There are still a handful of matches left, so the Drua’s 2023 fate is yet to be decided.

Stadium

The Fijian Drua split their home games in two different stadiums in Fiji: Churchill Park and HFC Bank Stadium. Where they play each home game depends on a variety of factors including the opponent, and whether that opponent is from Australia or New Zealand.

Churchill Park is located in Lautoka, Fiji, and is predominantly used as the home of the Lautoka Football Club. It is a modest and intimate venue, with a seating capacity of around 11,000.

HFC Bank Stadium is located in Suva, Fiji, and is mainly used for rugby matches. The stadium boasts a slightly larger seating capacity that Churchill Park, allowing up to 15,000 fans.

Naming, Kit and Colours

The Fijian Drua is named after the drua, which is a Fijian double canoe that traditionally served as a warship in naval battles. Their logo features a stylized blue drua. According to the team’s official website, the drua “ruled the South Seas” and “is befitting as a name and an identity for a franchise featuring players who are warriors on the rugby field, playing fast, powerful, and fearless rugby”.

The Fijian Drua’s colours are blue, green, and white. Their home kit is blue with green and teal accents, while their away kit is white with green and teal accents.

Current Roster

The Fijian Drua team is currently coached by Mick Byrne, with Meli Derenalagi serving as team captain. Here is the Fijian Drua’s complete roster for the 2023 Super Rugby season:

Props: Mesake Doge, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Livai Natave, Timoci Sauvoli, Samu Tawake, Meli Tuni, Emosi Tuqiri, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, and Jone Tiko.
Hookers: Mesu Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanievere, Zuriel Togiatama, and Jone Naqiri
Locks: Chris Minimbi, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Etonia Waqa, and Sailosi Vakalokalo
Loose forwards: Elia Canakaivata, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Raikabula Momoedonu, Rusiate Nasove, Kitione Salawa Jr., Joseva Tamani, Joji Kunavula, Naibuka Matadigo, Motikai Murray, and Fred Ralulu
Scrum-halves: Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli, Frank Lomani, and Ratu Peni Matawalu
Fly-halves: Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Kemu Valetini, and Isikeli Rabitu
Centres: Iosefo Masi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Michael Naitokani, Kalione Nasoko, Apisalome Vota, and Aesea Tuiese
Wingers: Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Selestino Ravutaumada, Eroni Sau, and Taniela Rakuro
Fullbacks: Ilaisa Droasese, Kitione Taliga, and Jack Volavola

Conclusion

The Fijian Drua, despite being a young team, are a fitting representation of Fiji’s passion for rugby. By providing an exciting new Fijian flair, the Drua are a welcome addition to Super Rugby, and are poised to be a strong fixture in the competition.