Sevens World Cup Winner Elia Canakaivata headlines the newest roster additions for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua alongside exciting young stars Emosi Tuqiri and Michael Naitokani.

Canakaivata brings with him vast experience and success on the sevens circuit while Tuqiri and Naitokani continue the club’s proud tradition of offering a path­way for young Fiji-eligible stars coming through to first class rug­by.

The new recruits were part of the squad which assembled yes­terday for the pre-season at the Club’s newly opened home base at Legalega Industrial Area, Nadi.

Fijian Drua chief executive of­ficer Brian Thorburn said the inclusion of, Canakaivata, Tuqiri and Naitokani would add depth to the club.

“Elia is not new to 15s rugby, al­though he is rightfully recognised for his success with the Fijian 7s side,” he said.

“His versatility will be a huge as­set to the team, and he joins our already impressive loose forward stock which features the likes of Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Rusiate Nasove, Kitione Salawa, Joe Tamani and Raikabula Mo­moedonu.”

Elia Canakaivata

Tuqiri, who is a former Fijian Under-20 prop had been part of the Melbourne Rebels extended squad.

“It’s great to have Tuqiri join the likes of our front row group, which includes Haereiti Hetet, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Meli Tuni and Samuela Tawake.”

Rising Nadroga second five eight Michael Naitokani forced his way into the squad.

“Michael is a bolter from the lo­cal rugby competition and was very impressive at the recent Fiji Rugby Invitation Series, where he played an instrumental role in the Fijian Warriors’ winning the tournament.”

Exciting time ahead

Thorburn added: “It’s a very ex­citing time for the players and our club as we begin pre-season train­ing for the 2023 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.

“These players have already played alongside some of our cur­rent Drua players and know full well the challenge and opportu­nity that lies in front of them.”

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