Meli Derenalagi, Virimi Vakatawa, Kemu Valetini, Isikeli Basiyalo and Harold Rounds have re-signed with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Fijian Drua says Derenalagi’s comeback has received a major boost after he missed the entire 2026 campaign while recovering from a long-term knee injury.
Originally from Nawaka, Nadi, with maternal links to Nakavu in Nadi, the Olympic gold medallist suffered a serious knee injury during the 2025 season and later underwent another operation, his second knee reconstruction, which resulted in an extended rehabilitation period.
The Drua says despite being unable to feature during the 2026 season, Derenalagi remained within the Drua environment throughout his recovery as he worked towards a return to full fitness.
They say the 27-year-old has been an important figure at the club since its inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season in 2022, bringing leadership, physicality and experience to the Drua loose forwards.
They added that a return to action in 2027 would mark another chapter in the comeback of one of the club’s most influential players.
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Brad Mooar says it is exciting to have such a group of players recommitting to the Drua and adding critical depth and competition to the squad across the park.
He says they all bring a superb mix of talent, skill sets and experience, and the club is delighted to have such highly talented and motivated players who care deeply for the Drua jersey continuing their journey in 2027.
The club has also retained the services of experienced midfielder Virimi Vakatawa following his first season in Drua colours.
Vakatawa made 10 appearances and scored a try during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, bringing his wealth of international and European experience to the Drua midfield.
His performances also earned him a return to the Barbarians for a third time, featuring in their 2026 matches against South Africa and Wales.
The Drua says the former France international joined the club ahead of the 2026 season following a decorated career that included 32 Tests for France and several seasons with Racing 92, where he established himself among Europe’s leading midfielders.
He is currently touring with the Flying Fijians in Japan for the Pacific Nations Cup and made his debut in July.
Vakatawa says, first and foremost, he thanked the Lord for His blessings and for the talent He has given him. He is also deeply grateful to his family, especially his partner, for her constant love and support throughout his journey.
Vakatawa says he would like to sincerely thank Fijian Drua Head Coach Brad Mooar and his coaching staff for their belief and support, as well as Fijian Drua CEO Jeff Miller and General Manager Baden Stephenson for believing in him and giving him another opportunity to continue this journey with the Drua.
He adds that he is looking forward to the new season and is ready to put in the work.
Vakatawa says with the experience he has gained throughout his career, he wants to contribute as much as he can to the team and, most importantly, support the younger players by sharing his knowledge and helping them grow into better professional rugby players.
The Drua says Valetini will also continue his journey with the club, having been part of the team since making his debut in 2023.
They say the versatile fly-half has become an experienced member of the Drua backline and has made 34 appearances for the club, scoring 61 points.
They also say, comfortable at both fly-half and inside centre, Valetini provides valuable experience and versatility across the backline.
Valetini says he is excited to stay on with the club and is feeling good and happy to sign another year with the Drua.
He says he is keen to get stuck into pre-season soon and is looking forward to working with the new coaches next year.
The Drua says Basiyalo’s re-signing continues another success story from the Drua’s development pathway following his breakthrough into Super Rugby Pacific this year.
They say the 21-year-old made his competition debut on the wing against the Western Force at Churchill Park in Lautoka in April, completing a journey through the Fiji age-grade and Drua Development systems to the professional stage.
The former Cuvu College student hails from Volivoli Village in Nadroga and has maternal links to Nabukelevu-i-Ra in Kadavu.
He previously represented Fiji at Under-20 level and the Fiji Warriors before going on to feature for the Fiji Men’s 7s side at the Hong Kong 7s.
Basiyalo says he is honestly grateful to God for giving him another opportunity and to his family for their support, and he can’t wait for next season.
Rounds’ re-signing further strengthens the club’s commitment to developing emerging Fijian talent after an impressive first year in the Drua Development programme.
The Drua says the young tighthead prop joined the Drua Development Squad ahead of the 2026 season and quickly established himself as one of its emerging leaders, earning co-captaincy duties during the campaign.
Originally from Galoa in Serua, with maternal links to Naduri in Macuata, Rounds continued his development in 2026, featuring prominently at tighthead prop for the Drua Development side before returning to Bay of Plenty during the off-season.
Rounds says he is really grateful and excited to be extending his time with the Drua, and that it is a huge honour to represent Fiji and be part of the club.
He says he is looking forward to continuing to grow, work hard and give everything he has got for the team, and acknowledges everyone who has supported him.
