Surprising moment for Vocevoce after being named as Drua Rookie of the Year

It was a surprising moment for Swire Shipping Fijian Drua lock Mesake Vocevoce when he was named the Fijian Drua Pepsi Rookie of the Year for the Men during the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua Awards Night that was held at the Sofitel Resort on Denarau last night.

Vocevoce says he was shocked when he heard his name being announced but he is grateful for the opportunity to represent the Drua at this year’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.

The 20-year-old dedicated his achievement to his parents who were not able to make it to the Awards Night but have always been supporting him from day 1.

Vocevoce was instrumental for the Drua forwards this year as he played all 15 matches this season and started in 12 of them.

His work rate in the Drua colours earned him a spot in the Fiji Water Flying Fijians 33-member squad that is preparing for the upcoming June and July tests.

Explosive centre Iosefo Masi received top honours at the Awards Night after claiming the Fiji Airways Men’s Player of the Year Award.

Masi also received the Times Sport Men’s Players’ Player of the Year awards.

In other awards presented last night, nippy halfback Peni Matawalu was awarded the ANZ Personal Development Award, Sailosi Vukalokalo was awarded the Sky Pacific Community Champion (Men), Iva Sauira and Siteri Rasolea were awarded the Punjas Community Champion Award(Women), Fijian Drua Women’s Captain Karalaini Naisewa was awarded the VT Solutions Fan Favourite 2024, Selestino Ravutaumada was awarded the Jacks of Fiji Fan Favourite 2024 (Men), Atelaite Buna was awarded the Tonezz Women’s Moment of the Year Award and the TOTAL Energies Rookie of the Year for the Women, Caleb Muntz was awarded the MOGUL Dausoko Award, Anasimeci Korovata was awarded FBC Women’s Players’ Player of the Year and Kemueli Valetini was awarded the FijiCare Men’s Moment of the Year Award.

Meanwhile, the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific semi finals will be played this weekend with the Blues hosting the Brumbies at 7.05pm Friday while the Hurricanes will play the Chiefs at 4.35pm Saturday.