Hooker Tevita Ikanivere and halfback Simione Kuruvoli have re-signed with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua ahead of the start of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific this week.
Ikanivere and Kuruvoli were instrumental in the Rugby World Cup campaign last year, helping the Fiji Water Flying Fijians team make historic wins against England and Australia, and finishing with a close loss in the quarter final.
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans says they are delighted to secure Ikanivere and Kuruvoli for the Super Rugby Pacific.
He says the players share their vision of what the Drua represents and are excited about their prospects in this competition.
Evans says both are world-class players and the fact that they have chosen to stay at home to play for the Drua and be available for the Flying Fijians means a lot to them.
He adds it’s a testament to the work of their playing department and team management as well and there is a clarity of roles and optimism about their future that everyone in the Fijian Drua has bought into, which is fantastic to see.
Evans further adds that they are excited to see the duo in action again, in what will be yet another thrilling Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Fijian Drua CEO says fans will once again be entertained with some of the best rugby players in the world, especially those heading to Fiji to play the Drua in Lautoka and Suva.
He says Ikanivere and Kuruvoli have come a long way since joining the squad in its inaugural year.
Evans says Ikanivere has made 25 appearances for the Drua with 7 tries, and this brilliant performance earned him the 2023 Drua Player of the Year award.
The 25-year-old has also recorded 13 Test caps for the Flying Fijians.
The Drua CEO says Kuruvoli has made 6 appearances for the Drua but missed the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season due to a shoulder injury.
He says the 25-year-old returned in style to play a leading role in Fiji’s success during the Rugby World Cup Campaign and has earned 11 Test caps for the Flying Fijians.
The Fijian Drua will take on the Blues in their first match at 3.35pm Saturday in Auckland.
In other matches, the Chiefs will take on the Crusaders at 6.05pm Friday, the Rebels will play the Brumbies at 8.35pm Friday, the Force will take on the Hurricanes at 11pm Friday, the Highlanders will host the Moana Pasifika at 6.05pm Saturday, and the Reds will take on the Waratahs at 9.05pm Saturday.
