Fiji Water Flying Fijians duo Tevita Ikanivere and Frank Lomani have been named as co-captains of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season as coach Glen Jackson reveals his final 41-member squad.
Hooker Ikanivere is no stranger to the role, having led the Drua on multiple occasions in the past two seasons and also has the most Fijian Drua appearances in the competition with 38 caps and features second on the try-scoring list for the Club with 10 tries.
Star halfback, Lomani is the most experienced player in the squad with 53 Super Rugby appearances, 28 of which have been for the Drua.
He is one of only two players in the squad with 100 Super Rugby Pacific points.
While speaking on their selection as co-captains, Ikanivere says it is a very big honour and a pleasure for him to be given this role again.
Ikanivere thanked Jackson for believing in his capabilities to help lead the team next year.
Lomani says he is really excited and pretty emotional because he did not really expect to be called up to be co-captain with Ikanivere.
He says three years into this competition and going onto the fourth year, this team has come a long way, and being there since year one, he is excited about all the opportunities.
The squad included 32 Flying Fijians players with three of the players being Olympic silver medallists in rugby 7s.
Jackson says it is a very well-balanced and young side as they have not lost many players from last year, and the ones that they have brought in have experience, mostly from overseas.
He says fans will get to see players like Joe Tamani coming back from France after he left following the first two years.
The Fijian Drua squad for the 2025 season:
Forwards:
Haereiti Hetet, Livai Natave, Emosi Tuqiri, Mesake Doge, Samuela Tawake, Meli Tuni, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesulame Dolokoto, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Mesake Vocevoce, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Joseva Tamani, Elia Canakaivata and Motikiai Murray.
Backs:
Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Phillip Baselala, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini, Sikeli Rabitu, Iosefo Masi, Inia Tabuavou, Waqa Nalaga, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese, Epeli Momo, Vuate Karawalevu, Ponipate Loganimasi, Taniela Rakuro and Junior Ratuva.
The Drua will host 7 home games next season with 4 matches to be played at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva and 3 matches at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Their first home game is against the Brumbies at the HFC Bank Stadium on the 15th of February, 2025.
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