Fiji 7s World Cup winner and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Elia Canakaivata will be joining the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific.
Canakaivata along with former Fiji Under 20 prop Emosi Tuqiri and Fijian Warriors inside centre Michael Naitokani are the new inclusion into the Drua side.
Fijian Drua CEO Brian Thorburn says the inclusion of Canakaivata, Tuqiri and Naitokani will add depth to the team.
He says Canakaivata is not new to 15s rugby, although he is rightfully recognised for his success with the sevens team.
Thorburn says his versatility will be a huge asset, and he joins the loose forward pack which features the likes of Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Rusiate Nasove, Kitione Salawa, Joe Tamani and Raikabula Momoedonu.
Thorburn adds Tuqiri who is also the cousin of former Wallaby Lote Tuqiri has some experience in the Super Rugby environment, as part of the Rebels set-up last year and it’s great to have him join the likes of front row group, which includes run-on Flying Fijians like Haereiti Hetet and Drua stars Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Meli Tuni and Samuela Tawake.
Thorburn says Naitokani is a bolter from the local rugby competition and was very impressed at the recent Fiji Rugby Invitation Series, where he played an instrumental role as a centre in the Fijian Warriors' winning the tournament.
The Fijian Drua will mount its second Super Rugby Pacific campaign with six home games locked in for Fiji next year.
The Drua will be hosting champions Crusaders, 2022 finalists Blues, Melbourne Rebels, Queensland Reds, Moana Pasifika and the Hurricanes next year.
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