Fijian Drua

Fijian Drua

Beat Crusaders 25-24. Record: 2-1. Last ranking: 9. Table position: 5.

The Crusaders found that out the hard way on an absolute sweaty armpit of a day in Lautoka during this weekend's round of Super Rugby Pacific, losing on the last kick of a game they really had no right to win anyway.

This weekend has seen some very good rugby, but it belongs to the Drua. They've delivered on their promise to play an up-tempo style throughout their time in Super Rugby so far and nearly pulled off a couple of upsets last season.

Coach Mick Byrne says with the Drua coming off a loss against the Waratahs last week, the side is also hungry for a win as they want to put smiles on the faces of home fans.

FBC reports Byrne saying they had a disappointing final 20 minutes last week against the Waratahs, and this is an area they have worked on for this crucial first home game of the season.

Flying Fijians winger Eroni Sau will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut with the Drua in the game.

Photo credit Fijian Drua/Facebook

Rakuro was part of the Drua Academy earlier this week, before being named in the No. 23 jersey ahead of their season opener in New Zealand.

But the wingers debut couldn’t have gone any better.

In the dying stages of the game, Rakuro found himself in space – but dramatically slipped over mere metres from the try-line.

But it worked in his favour, as the covering defender slipped over. After getting to his feet, the debutant jotted the ball down for a memorable score with about three minutes to play – which can be seen above.

Head Coach Mick Byrne confirmed that Sau is in the country and they’ll let him settle down first.

The Drua will name its side to take on Moana Pasifika on Saturday.

Byrne is expected to name Olympic gold medalist Iosefo Masi in the starting 15.

Other players, who are sure starters include Teti Tela, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Rotuisolia, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Frank Lomani.

The Drua will play its first match against Moana Pasifika at 3:35pm (Fiji Time) on Saturday at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.

Mick Byrne’s side beat the Force 48-38 at Brisbane’s Wests Rugby Club on Thursday night in their final hit-out before next Saturday’s season opener against fellow competition sophomores Moana Pasifika in Auckland.

Renowned for their opportunistic play, Byrne was pleased to see some patience as they held the ball and used their maul to score four consecutive first-half tries.

Baselala has been awarded the contract and is being drafted into the main Drua squad.

He is part of Drua’s development squad and has been promoted to bolster the main playing squad at halfback and the front row.

At just 18 years and 4 months of age, he becomes one of the youngest players to sign a full Super Rugby Pacific contract.

In 2022, he starred as a halfback for Suva Grammar School in Fiji’s Deans competition, as well as Fiji’s U20 and the Fiji Warriors teams.

He has previously played for Fiji U18.

Habosi is alleged to have assaulted his partner two weeks ago.

According to Police, they are still awaiting a statement from the victim before further action can be taken.

The Drua sacked Habosi last week with immediate effect due to a high-level breach of the club’s Code of Conduct.

According to a club statement, the decision was made after careful consideration.

It is alleged that Habosi assaulted his partner and she lodged a Police complaint.

According to Police, the investigation is still ongoing and the victim has yet to provide a medical report.

Investigators are awaiting the report.

The Drua sacked Habosi yesterday with immediate effect citing a high-level breach of the club’s Code of Conduct

According to a club statement, the decision was made after careful consideration.

The Rebels travelled to Fiji for the first time but left empty-handed, unable to turn a swag of possession into any points.

Recruits, English lock Tim Cardall and hooker Alex Mafi, made their first appearance for the Rebels amongst a number of familiar faces such as Nambian Test flanker Richard Hardwick and Australia A halfback James Tuttle.

The match was played over four quarters at Prince Charles Park in steamy conditions, with a big home crowd turning out to support the Drua.