The Fijian Drua is more than just a rugby club, it’s a band of brothers that have become a family says Fijian Drua co-captain Tevita Ikanivere.
Speaking in Suva at the launch of ‘The Rise of the Drua – How a Rugby Dream Captivated a Nation’ Ikanivere says the book captures the heart of the Drua from its inception to the present time.
“The early days from when we had to camp at Lennox Head in Australia, spending Christmas away from Fiji, missing home but staying grounded because it meant we were building something good for the future of rugby in Fiji.”
The book which is authored by rugby commentator Greg Clark by author Norman Tasker details, not only the days, but the sacrifices behind the scenes made by various people who had nothing but rugby as their motivation.
Speaking at the launch, former CEO Brian Thorburn said seeing the club and players grow in leaps and bounds has been exciting and and encouraging at the same time.
“We knew the Drua was and is destined for bigger things and to see how much it has grown tells me that it’s headed somewhere good.”
Clark said calling the Drua games have been the highlight for his career which spans over two decades.
“It’s just different. When you call a Drua game at home, the crowd and the atmosphere here in Fiji just adds to it and it is absolutely electrifying. You have to here to witness it and experience it.”
Also in attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, sponsors and former Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne.
The book is currently being sold at Post Fiji, Shop n Save, Jacks of Fiji, Prouds, Suva Book Centre, Fiji Museum, USP Bookstore Laucala and Lautoka City Council.
