Fiji rugby great Leone Nakarawa comes home to join the Drua

One of Fiji’s most decorated players is coming home.

Leone Nakarawa will join the Fijian Drua for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season and bring Olympic gold and more than a decade of professional rugby experience back to Fiji.

The 38-year-old former Flying Fijian has played 132 professional matches, including stints with overseas sides Glasgow Warriors and Racing 92, and was part of Fiji’s historic Olympic gold medal-winning sevens team at Rio 2016.

Now after years of playing abroad, Nakarawa says he is ready to represent the Drua on home soil.

“Looking forward to be playing for the Drua and playing professional and staying in Fiji,” his statement read.

Raised in Vatukoula, Nakarawa became one of the most recognisable forwards in world rugby, with his ability to produce unexpected offloads becoming a trademark of his game across 68 appearances for Fiji.

Leone Nakarawa celebrates scoring against the All Blacks during his time with Fiji. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

His return comes as the Drua prepare for their sixth Super Rugby Pacific campaign under new head coach Brad Mooar.

Mooar says Nakarawa’s experience will be valuable both during matches and around the squad.

“This is a big signing for the Drua,” Mooar said in a statement. “He will have a huge impact on and off the field for us every day. His on field ability & experience is exceptional and suits exactly how we want to play.

“In addition to this having Leone’s leadership, his knowledge of the game and of the life & habits of a professional sportsman will be a huge benefit for our players to get side by side with Leone and learn from him everyday. We’re thrilled to be welcoming Leone and his family into the Drua Vuvale/Vuniwere.”

Baden Stephenson, Drua’s General Manager Rugby, says Nakarawa’s return will carry meaning beyond what he brings on the field.

“Leone is a quality person, quality leader and big game player,” Stephenson said in a statement.

“We are excited to bring someone of his vast experience into the forward pack. It will be very special seeing Leone represent his family, village and country in the Super Rugby competition.”

Nakarawa’s rugby journey started in Fiji’s domestic game including with Tailevu, before his time in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces helped shape his path into professional rugby.

His performances earned him selection for the Fiji Warriors and then the Flying Fijians.

Leone Nakarawa after a match with the Glasgow Warriors. Photo/Ryan Byrne/Photosport

He made his Test debut in 2009 against Tonga (‘Ikale Tahi) in Nuku’alofa and went on to become one of Fiji’s most capped players.

Nakarawa’s return gives the Fijian Drua more than another experienced forward.

It brings home a player who has already left a major mark on Fiji rugby and now has the chance to pass that knowledge on to the next generation while representing his country in front of a home crowd.