7 players of Fijian descent named in 4 of the 5 NZ Super Rugby Franchises

Seven players of Fijian descent have been named in four of the five New Zealand Super Rugby Franchises for next season.

Counties Manukau winger and former Ratu Kadavulevu School Head Boy, Tevita Nabura is the new face at Highlanders.

Nabura was named in the Fiji 7's team earlier this year.

He was the standout player for the Steelers this season.

Another new player is Isaia Walker‑Leawere for the Hurricanes who was in the Hurricanes extended squad last season but has now made the main team next season.

He is the son of Former Fiji captain, Kele Leawere.

He represented New Zealand in the World Rugby Under 20 Championships earlier this year and last year and has won a title with them as well.

Leawere has become just the 4th Fijian to play for the Hurricanes.

Meanwhile, Alex Hodgeman has been named in the Blues, Manasa Mataele, Jone Macilai and Seta Tamanivalu will remain with the Crusaders while Waisake Naholo will play with Nabura in the Highlanders team.

The 2018 Super Rugby season will start in February.