Manasa Mataele is set to embark on his 10th season in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition, bringing a wealth of experience to the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua squad.
Originally from Vanuavatu in Lau, and with maternal links to Yasawa-i-Rara, Mataele grew up in Raiwai, Suva, and attended Marist Brothers High School.
He played for Marist Brothers High School in the Deans competition and was part of the Fiji U18 team in 2015.
Th 28-year-old has made 58 Super Rugby Pacific appearances; 32 with the Crusaders, 24 with the Western Force and 2 with the Chiefs.
He is known for his ability to both score and create tries, he often tops match statistics for line breaks.
In 2022, he was ranked second in the entire competition for clean breaks and metres gained, a testament to his attacking prowess.
Mataele’s experience will be invaluable to a young Fijian Drua backline as they prepare for the 2026 season.
On the international stage, he made his debut for the Flying Fijians in 2021 and has since earned four caps.
The Fijian Drua will begin their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign against Moana Pasifika on the 14th of February next year.
