Joining the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua was the biggest achievement that prop forward Meli Tuni achieved throughout his rugby career and one that he will cherish the most.
While sharing his rugby journey with the Fijian Drua, Tuni told fijivillage News that he made his family proud when he was named into the squad in the first season.
Tuni says though he was faced with a few injuries, that did not stop him from reaching for greater heights.
He says he had a knee surgery after the first season but he thanked the medical team for helping him in terms of rehabilitation and helped him come back stronger.
The Vuci, Tokatoka, Tailevu man started his professional rugby career with the Suva Rugby Union in the Skipper Cup competition in 2020 after representing the Fiji Under 20s in 2019.
Tuni later joined the Fiji Warriors side for the Pacific Rugby Championship in 2020 before being contracted by the Fijian Drua in 2022.
The 24-year-old says one of his favourite memories in the Drua was when he was named in the match-day 23 squad to face the Crusaders in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific quarter final in 2023 where they lost 49-8.
He says he was excited when he was named in the matchday squad as it was also a historic moment for the side, reaching the quarter final for the first time in just their second year in the competition.
Tuni and the Drua are expected to return to pre-season training next week for the new season of the Super Rugby Pacific season that kicks off next month.
The Drua’s opening match will be at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, where they will host the Brumbies at 3.35pm on the 15th of next month.
