The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players will be looking to secure the team’s third home win for this season and dedicate it to star halfback Frank Lomani who will be playing his 50th Super Rugby game today against the Western Force in Lautoka.
In a video posted on the Fijian Drua social media page, lanky lock Isoa Nasilasila did a few interviews with some senior players in the team who shared their thoughts and sent their well wishes to Lomani and congratulated him on his achievement.
Captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi says he is honoured to have played alongside Lomani from age group rugby in the academy and he has influenced Derenalagi’s life greatly.
Flyhalf Kemu Valetini says Lomani is a great leader in the team and is such a humble person which really shows how well he was brought up from the village.
He says Lomani always leads by actions and is always shown in his performances on the field.
Caleb Muntz says he can still remember the day Lomani told him that he would make the Flying Fijians one day and he thanked Lomani for trusting in him.
He says whatever Lomani said came true and he acknowledged Lomani for always looking out for the young players in the team.
Livewire hooker Tevita Ikanivere says it is a great milestone for someone who was brought up in the village like Lomani and he hopes Lomani will celebrate his achievement this weekend with a win in front of his home crowd.
Prop Mesake Doge says this is a really big achievement for Lomani and he is honoured to be sharing the field with Lomani on his 50th Super Rugby game.
He says he knows the struggle Lomani had endured in his journey to this achievement and says Lomani deserves this because he never gives up.
Nasilasila says Lomani is just a great person on and off the field and he is honoured to have played alongside Lomani.
Lomani becomes the first ever Fijian Drua player to reach 50 Super Rugby games.
He made his Super Rugby debut in 2020 for the Melbourne Rebels where he spent 2 seasons.
The 27-year-old will start at halfback today against the Western Force.
The Drua Men will play the Western Force at 1.05pm while the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women play the Force at 3.35pm at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
In other matches today, Moana Pasifika will take on the Blues at 3.35pm, the Hurricanes will play the Highlanders at 6.05pm, and the Reds will face the Brumbies at 8.35pm.
Meanwhile, in the games that were played last night, the Crusaders recorded their first win of the season after beating the Chiefs 37-26 and the Rebels overcame the Waratahs 27-21.
