Another seven players have been added to the Fijian Drua roster ahead of the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign in 2022.
Flying Fijians Mesulame Dolokoto is joined by Teti Tela and Haereiti Hetet, Fijian U20s and Warriors' star Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, young Nadi standout forward Vilive Miramira, as well as NZ-based Counties Manukau NPC stars Zuriel Togiatama and Viliame Rarasea.
Flying Fijians Mesulame Dolokoto has consistently featured on international tours and test matches held in Fiji, and comes through the local Fijian Warriors and NRC Drua pathways.
Fiji hooker Mesulame Dolokoto. Photo: Facebook/Fiji Rugby
The 26 year-old brings international experience as well, given his time with the Glasgow Warriors in Europe and Tasman Makos in New Zealand's NPC.
Flyhalf and fullback Tuidraki Samusamuvodre has turned up consistently on the Skipper Cup scene following his leading roles in the Fijian U20s and the Fijian Warriors. More recently he's been playing for the New England Freejacks in the US Major League Rugby.
Teti Tela is another major boost to the squads backline. The flyhalf or inside centre has been part of the wider Flying Fijians set-up and brings Super Rugby experience given his stint with the Queensland Reds.
Loose forward Vilive Miramira has come through the grades in Fiji. He has been a standout on the local scene and now has the chance to impress the coaching staff and fight for a place among a big group of loose forwards in the inaugural competition.
Counties Manukau duo Zuriel Togiatama and Viliame Rarasea will add their NPC experience to the Fijian side.
Togiatama comes through the Ardmore Marist Rugby Club in New Zealand and the Counties Manukau Steelers, and has been part of the Chiefs Development Squad, while Viliame came through the Fijian U20s and has featured consistently in New Zealand's NPC over a number of years.
Prop Haereiti Hetet brings international and NPC experience to the Fijian Drua's front row. In addition to NPC experience through Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Hetet has also represented the New Zealand Maori side.
Flying Fijians prop Haereiti Hetet. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 24 year-old made a a winning debut for the Flying Fijians in the Autumn Nations Cup against Georgia last year. His inclusion continues a proud family legacy with fans remembering his father Joeli Veitayaki, a prominent Flying Fijians prop.
In addition to the new signings, the Fijian Drua have also confirmed that injured Flying Fijians, Fijian 7s and NRC Drua star Alivereti Veitokani is part of the wider Drua set-up.
The Fijian Drua will organise for Veitokani's assessment and rehabilitation in 2022 in close partnership with the Fiji Rugby Union. He is slated for a return to top-level rugby with the Fijian Drua for the 2023 Super Rugby season, to be in the frame for selectors' consideration for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Fiji Rugby Union CEO John O'Connor welcomed the announcement of new Fijian Drua players, including a large number who progressed from the domestic competition.
Welcome to Fijian Drua vuvale. pic.twitter.com/DQV0ZNO8ie
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) October 7, 2021
"The Drua will focus on being the pathway for our local players," he said.
"The coaching panel will closely monitor those in the domestic competition to provide them the opportunity to earn a place in the Fijian Drua and gain a professional contract to play Super Rugby."
Fiji Rugby is committed to player welfare, he added.
"We will help our players overcome serious injury and return to doing what they love. Over the next year, our medical and rehabilitation teams will ease Alivereti back into the game, and we're confident he'll be back stronger, faster and even more creative than ever."
The Fijian Drua have now announced 34 players, with a handful more expected to be confirmed and announced in the coming weeks.
