Former Melbourne Rebels player and Marist Brothers High School student Angelo Smith has returned home and signed a two-year deal with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Smith is one of the three new signings so far for the Drua following the recent signings of Fiji Water Flying Fijians lock Temo Mayanavanua and Australian-based Iosefo Namoce.
While speaking on the signing, the Drua says Smith is powerful on both attack and defence and brings with him the utility value of also playing at blindside flanker.
Excited about his return home, the 24-year-old Nananu, Tailevu man says he is looking forward to playing with the Drua as he has been playing his rugby away from home.
He adds he is very excited to play some footy in front of his family and friends.
Smith began his rugby journey at Marist Brothers High School and represented the Fiji U20.
He moved to Brisbane to join Wests Rugby in the Hospital Cup before joining the Melbourne Rebels in 2023.
Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby, Baden Stephenson says Smith is a quality player with 20 Super Rugby caps to his name.
He says he will add size, skill, speed and experience to their forward pack.
Stephenson says it is great that players want to return home and Smith’s best rugby is in front of him.
The General Manager says he has every confidence that Smith will seize this opportunity and thrive in the Drua rugby environment.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders will host the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final at 7.05pm this Saturday at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.
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