Skipper Select gives local players rare chance to shine – Lomani

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua co-captain Frank Lomani says the Skipper Select initiative is a great opportunity for young local players, adding that during his time, they didn’t have the chance to put together a team like this.

Lomani will co-captain the Drua side alongside Temo Mayanavanua in the Sunbell Trophy match against the Skipper Select team, with Mayanavanua saying that getting into the provincial side is never easy, and this opportunity is a big step forward for players who have worked hard at the local level.

Insert:Sunbell Trophy 4th Feb 26   

Speaking at a press conference, Lomani and Mayanavanua highlighted the importance of the Skipper Select program in identifying and developing provincial talent.

Mayanavanua commended the Fiji Rugby Union for recognising talent in domestic competitions and giving players the platform to shine.

He says playing against a Super Rugby side gives both teams invaluable experience, and fans can expect a whole lot of Fijian flair, big hits, offloads, and just a good day of footy.

Lomani also emphasises the physical nature of the match and says players will use it as a platform to push for future selection at higher levels.

The Fijian Drua will take on Skipper Select at 4pm this Friday at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

The Drua's opening match in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific is against Moana Pasifika is at 3.35pm next Saturday.