Photo: Drua Media
Meli Derenalagi will return as captain of the Fiji Drua for a second season.
The Drua has announced its team for the men's 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season. Its a stable squad with most players having appeared last season, and just five new players.
Head coach Mick Byrne said the team is much more prepared this year as opposed to the 2022 season.
He told RNZ Pacific the team has had more time to get to know each other.
"I think having our second year with a really good squad leading up to our first game is crucial. Last year was chaotic, we had players introducing themselves five weeks out of our first game. We're in a lot better shape this year and we are really excited about what it means to us."
Last season, the Drua finished second-bottom of the Super Rugby table, just ahead of Moana Pasifika after winning two of their 14 matches.
Meli Derenalagi and Drua head coach Mick Byrne Photo: Fijian Drua
Pathway for emerging players
Drua are now firmly planting roots in Fiji, and the franchise has embarked on its player development pathway programme by assembling its first-ever development squad.
The 12-member squad is made up of Fiji's finest emerging players from the Deans and Skipper Cup competitions.
Byrne said the development team's presence in Nadi provides future local Pacific players an easier pathway to a professional rugby career.
"What we are able to do now is provide this facility for those players that have been looking asking, 'how do I become a professional rugby player? What is my pathway?' Now that there is a team here in Fiji, they now have a clear path. Now they are getting their chance, it's quite nice for them."
The Drua will open their 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season against Moana Pasifika on February 25 at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.
Their first home match in Fiji will be against defending champions, the Crusaders, on March 11.
Moana Pasifika have already announced the squad for the new season.
Fiji Drua main squad
Mesake Doge*
Haereiti Hetet
Jone Koroiduadua
Timoci Sauvoli
Samuela Tawake
Meli Tuni
Emosi Tuqiri*
Kaliopasi Uluilakepa
Mesulame Dolokoto
Tevita Ikanivere
Zuriel Togiatama
Chris Minimbi
Isoa Nasilasila
Ratu Rotuisolia
Sorovakatini Tuifagalele
Elia Canakaivata*
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
Ratu Meli Derenalagi
Vilive Miramira
Raikabula Momoedonu
Rusiate Nasove
Kitione Salawa
Joseva Tamani
Simione Kuruvoli
Frank Lomani
Peni Matawalu
Caleb Muntz
Teti Tela
Iosefo Masi*
Michael Naitokani *
Kalione Nasoko
Apisalome Vota
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Selesitino Ravutaumada
Vinaya Habosi
Ilaisa Droasese
Kitione Taliga
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
*New squad additions for 2023
Development Squad
Philip Baselala
Joji Kunavula
Naibuka Matadigo
Motikai Murray
Livai Natave
Jone Naqiri
Fred Ralulu
Isikeli Rabitu
Aisea Tuisese
Taniela Rakuro
Sailosi Vakalokalo
Jack Volavola
