Fijian Drua management has welcomed the inclusion of 16 of their players in the Flying Fijians squad for next month’s Pacific Nations Cup scheduled to be played in Fiji.
The 16 include props Haereiti Hetet and Manasa Saulo, hookers Mesulame Dolokoto and Tevita Ikanivere, locks Isoa Nasilasila and Ratu Rotuisolia, loose forwards Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta and Rusiate Nasove, halfbacks Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli and Peni Matawalu, flyhalf Teti Tela, centres Kalaveti Ravouvou and Apisalome Vota and outside backs Vinaya Habosi and Ilaisa Droasese.
If selected on the matchday 23, Nasilasila, Rotuisolia, Cirikidaveta, Nasove, Matawalu, Ravouvou, Vota, Habosi, and Droasese will be in line to earn their first Flying Fijians cap.
“This is a fantastic achievement for our players and our Club,” Fijian Drua CEO Brian Thorburn said. “To supply almost half the Flying Fijians squad speaks volumes about the development of our players and the exposure to top-flight rugby that our Club provides. This is the very reason for our existence – to provide a sustainable pathway for Fijian players via professional rugby through to the ultimate goal; to step out into the field in the famous white and black jersey of our national 15s team. Our hearty congratulations to our 16 Drua players as well as the entire Flying Fijians squad. We will all be supporting them passionately in July.”
The Fijian Drua has congratulated its 16 players included in the Flying Fijians squad for the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup (PNC). Head Coach Vern Cotter yesterday announced the national 15s team preparing for the important PNC series to be held in Fiji next month.
Drua head coach Mick Byrne said their selection is “just reward” having worked hard in the club’s first Super Rugby Pacific season.
“They now get a chance to gain higher honours for Fiji and we know they’ll do our country proud. The rest of our Drua squad, coaching staff and management will be cheering them on loudly from the stands next month,” Byrne said.
In addition to the 16 players, two other members of the Fijian Drua vuvale will also be part of the Flying Fijians set up in July. Assistant Coach Glen Jackson, Head of Physiotherapy William Koong and Video Analyst Pita Uluikabara will be part of the national team.
The PNC kicks off with round one on 2 July in Suva. Rounds two and three will be held in Lautoka on 9 and 16 July respectively.
