Former Suva Grammar School students Philip Baselala and Isikeli Rabitu have forced their way into the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua 37-member squad for the 2024 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Season that was announced today.
Baselala made his Super Rugby debut this year following his promotion from the development squad and also after an impressive performance with Grammar in the Vodafone Super Deans Trophy competition last year and with the Vodafone Fiji U20 side this year.
Rabitu is listed as a flyhalf in the Drua squad with Caleb Muntz, Kemu Valetini and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
Rabitu played an instrumental role for Grammar this year and his impressive form earned him a call-up into the development squad and he has now been promoted into the main squad.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula plays for Manawatu and is also the nephew of All Blacks’ flyhalf Richie Mo’unga.
Joining Rabitu and Ravula are former Suva lock forward Sailosi Vukalokalo, Montauban utility back Epeli Momo and Manawatu Turbos player Waqa Nalaga.
Fiji Water Flying Fijians and Drua flyhalf, Teti Tela has retired from first class rugby.
Head Coach Mick Byrne says they are looking to go two better this season after reaching the Super Rugby quarter final this year.
Byrne says with the group of players they have retained this year and the new players coming in, he is confident they can get the job done this year. The squad also has 20 Fiji Water Flying Fijians players named and coach Byrne says retaining these players is a great boost for them despite losing some of their players to clubs in Europe.
The Fijian Drua will have seven home games next season.
They will kick off their season in Auckland against the Blues on 23rd February 2024.
The Squad:
Loosehead props: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereti Hetet, Livai Natave.
Hookers: Mesulame Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama.
Tighthead prop: Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Doge, Samuela Tawake.
Utility prop: Meli Tuni.
Locks: Etonia Waqa, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta.
Backrowers: Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira.
Halfbacks: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli.
Flyhalves: Kemueli Valetini, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu, Caleb Muntz.
Centres: Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Michael Naitokani, Waqa Nalaga.
Back 3: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Taniela Rakuro, Epeli Momo.
Utility back: Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
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