The Fijian Drua have announced another five players ahead of their debut Super Rugby campaign, including a second Olympic gold medallist.
Photo: www.photosport.nz
Former Fiji 7s captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi joins Flying Fijians halfback Serupepeli Vularika, Suva prop Meli Tuni, Namosi flyer Vinaya Habosi, and Tasman Mako forward Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta in signing on for the team's inaugural season.
Derenalagi was a part of the Fiji 7s team that triumphed in Tokyo in July and joins fellow Olympian Napolioni Bolaca in signing for the Drua.
Fiji Rugby's General Manager of High Performance, Simon Raiwalui, said the 23 year old's contribution to Fijian rugby has already been immense.
"With his speed and ball handling skills, he adds dynamism to the squad as a backrow forward or as a scrum anchor. His aerial skills make him a decent line-out option as well."
Flying Fijians international Serupepeli Vularika was a part of the Drua team that competed in the Australian NRC competition and, at 29, brings some vital experience to a youthful squad.
Serupepeli Vularika is a familiar face for the Drua. Photo: Supplied/Fiji Rugby Union
"We are very pleased to have our international utility Seru Vularika back," Raiwalui said.
"He has the ability to play halfback, inside centre, wing or fullback. Seru is creative, has a good kicking game, defends aggressively and makes the gain line in any position he plays, offering excellent options to the coaching staff."
Suva's Meli Tuni and Namosi's Vinaya Habosi have also been rewarded for their exploits in Fiji's domestic competitions.
"Young Meli Tuni is 21 years of age but has already been around the blocks - with Suva in the domestic competition, Fiji U-20s and the Fijian Warriors," Raiwalui said.
"Likewise, Vinaya Habosi, also just 21, has already been a part of the wider Fijian 7s and Flying Fijians squads. He follows in the fine tradition of talented Fijian wingers who know their way to the tryline."
The final addition is New Zealand based loose forward Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, who is currently playing for the NPC premiership winning Tasman Makos.
Tasman player Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta playing for Tasman in the 2020 NPC Premiership final. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Raiwalui said he's had an eye on the 23 year old for the past 18 months.
"It is an honour and a remarkable accomplishment for us to have Te Ahiwaru declare his eligibility for the Flying Fijians and join the Fijian Drua for Super Rugby.
"He is a powerhouse forward, aggressive in both attack and defence, and is just as effective at lock as he is in the backrow."
Interim CEO Brian Thorburn said the Drua's foundation squad was beginning to take shape.
"It's important to note that the Fijian Drua set-up offers a pathway for players progressing from domestic competition to professional rugby, as well as Fijian players wishing to return home," he said.
Former All Blacks and Wallabies skills coach Mick Byrne has been appointed as the new head coach of the Fijian Drua. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2010 www.photosport.nz
The Drua unveiled their first five players signings last week.
Former All Blacks and Wallabies skills coach Mick Byrne was also confirmed as the team's inaugural head coach.
The Drua will announce the remainder of their playing squad over the next two weeks before assembling in Australia on 15 October.
The team will spend two weeks in quarantine before beginning their pre-season training at the start of November.
