Being part of the Drua helps Haereiti Hetet reconnect with his Fijian roots

Being part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has helped prop forward Haereiti Hetet to reconnect with his Fijian roots.

Hetet, who is the son of former Flying Fijians prop Joeli Veitayaki, says it is a great cultural learning for him especially growing up in New Zealand.

He says representing the Drua is also very special for him because it is the first Fijian team to be in the Super Rugby and also to be a part of history this year when they reached the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific quarter finals in just their second year in the competition.

The 26-year-old says his rugby journey was also faced with some challenges and one of them was trying to control his weight.

He says he knows that his father was the heaviest man in rugby back then so he is trying to keep the weight off.

Hetet says one of his biggest motivations is his family especially his son and he is just working hard for him in trying to create a better future for him.

He says there is also a lot of competition in the position he plays in the team and adds it is what keeps the team going.

The prop forward is urging all aspiring young rugby players to keep striving for the best and keep working hard towards their goals even if no one is watching.

Hetet grew up in the small town of Ōtorohanga in Waikato, New Zealand and started his rugby career with Ōtorohanga Sports Rugby Club from junior level to senior level before making his way through to the Mitre 10 Cup Competition with Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

He featured for the Maori All Blacks in 2019 before making his international debut for the Flying Fijians in 2020 against Georgia.

Hetet and the Drua will start their 2024 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific campaign against the Blues on the 24th of February in Auckland.