Drua name 39-member squad for 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have named their 39-member squad for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, featuring several new players and management appointments.

The season will mark newly appointed head coach Brad Mooar’s first in charge, after taking on the role in July.

The former All Blacks assistant coach says the squad’s depth and experience provide an environment he is excited to build an exciting style of rugby around.

“I believe there are enormous opportunities for us to play a special brand of rugby that is successful, entertaining and inspiring. We want to inspire the country, win championships and continue to grow our people and the game in Fiji.”

Alongside Mooar, seven new players have joined the squad: former Flying Fijians sensation Leone Nakarawa, Ben Volavola, former Australian Wallaby Isi Naisarani, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Josefa Namosimalua and Nacani Boginisoko.

Headlining the returning Drua players is former captain Meli Derenalagi.

Meli Derenalagi. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport.

After a gruelling knee injury ruled him out of the entire 2026 season, the 27-year-old returns to a strong second-row contingent alongside this year’s co-captain Temo Mayanavanua, Mesake Vocevoce and newcomers Nakarawa and Ratuniyarawa.

The Drua also boast strong leadership across the rest of the field, with key players returning to represent the club for another season.

A robust back-row includes the Drua’s most-capped player, Kitione Salawa, as well as Isoa Tuwai, Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira, Isi Naisarani and Josefa Namosimalua.

With 48 Tests for the Flying Fijians, veteran Frank Lomani leads the halfbacks, joined by Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Phillip Baselala.

The Drua’s top points scorer, young Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, headlines the fly-half group beside experienced campaigners Kemu Valetini and Ben Volavola.

The Fijian Drua will kick off their 2027 campaign against the Highlanders on 13 February at Four R Stadium in Ba, the first of eight home games during the regular season.

Fijian Drua squad:

Loosehead Props: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereiti Hetet, Meli Tuni, Peni Ravai.

Hookers: Mesulame Dolokoto, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Penaia Cakobau, Sairusi Ravudi.

Tighthead Props: Mesake Doge, Harold Rounds, Inoke Ravuiwasa.

Locks: Temo Mayanavanua, Meli Derenalagi, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Nakarawa, Manueli Ratuniyarawa.

Backrow: Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira, Isi Naisarani, Josefa Namosimalua.

Halfbacks: Frank Lomani, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Phillip Baselala.

Fly-halves: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini, Ben Volavola.

Centres: Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa, Maika Tuitubou, Iosefo Namoce.

Outside Backs: Epeli Momo, Taniela Rakuro, Joji Nasova, Manasa Mataele, Isikeli Rabitu, Isikeli Basiyalo, Nacani Boginisoko.