Former Crusaders and Western Force player Manasa Mataele has extended his stay with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for another year ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Fijian Drua says Mataele’s extension provides further experience and depth to the Drua backline as preparations continue for the upcoming campaign.
Mataele heads into the new season fresh from international duties with the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, having featured in last month’s 2026 Asahi Dry Pacific Nations Cup.
He took the field against Canada, where he helped create a try for Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, before also featuring against Japan in the final.
Reflecting on his first season with the Drua, Mataele says he is really excited, and it is something he has spoken about with his wife, and how much he has enjoyed the experience.
Mataele says he also feels there is still plenty more he can do and give back, so he is excited to sign on for another year and hopefully help them push for a better season next year.
He adds that coming back home has been a breath of fresh air and putting on the Drua jersey and knowing he is representing not only himself, but his family and the whole of Fiji, has been really special.
The Vanuavatu, Lau native joined the club ahead of the 2026 season, returning home after an extensive career in New Zealand and Australia which included Super Rugby Pacific stints with the Crusaders, Western Force and Chiefs.
One of his standout performances came in the Drua's historic 33-28 victory over the Brumbies in Canberra in April.
The 29-year-old crossed twice in the first half, including an intercept try, as the Drua secured only their second away victory in Super Rugby Pacific history.
The former Marist Brothers High School student finished the season in spectacular fashion against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium, scoring a hat-trick in the Drua's final match of the campaign.
Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby Baden Stephenson says they are really pleased to have Mataele commit to the Drua for another season.
He says he brought a wealth of experience into their group this year and has shown the quality he possesses as a powerful and dangerous outside back.
Stephenson says Mataele is a strong ball carrier, a proven finisher and gives us plenty of attacking threat out wide.
He adds that Mataele has fitted really well into their environment, and they believe there is still plenty more to come from him in a Drua jersey.
The General Manager says having a player of his experience continuing with them is important for the balance of their squad, and they excited to see him build on his first season with the Club in 2027.
