Canakaivata, Nasova to co-captain Drua 7s side

Fijian Drua flanker Elia Canakaivata and Joji Nasova will co-captain their seven’s team at the McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s.

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s side includes capped Flying Fijians, a Rugby World Cup 7s winner, an Olympic Silver medallist and a provincial champion.

The Drua side will be coached by Drua development coach Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani. He will joined by Fijian 7s legend Waisale Serevi as technical advisor while Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Ratu Meli Derenalagi will be the assistant coach.

Others in the squad include Drua main squad players Isikeli Rabitu, Philip Baselala, Aisea Nawai, Kitione Salawa, Ilaisa Droasese and Maika Tuitubou. Drua Development players joining the squad are Joweli Walevu, Kalioni Ratunabuabua, Pita Manamananaivalu, Meli Dreu and Bogi Kikau.

Another exciting addition to the squad is Simeli Karacia, part of the Malolo Rugby’s champion ‘Small Boys, Big Job’ squad who won the 2025 Skipper Cup.

Nadolo-Kuridrani said: “We’ve got a really balanced squad for the McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s. The likes of Meli Derenalagi as assistant coach and Waisale Serevi as technical advisor is great for our team. There’s a lot of experience there and I’m really excited about what we could do in this wonderful tournament.”

They are in Pool E with Japan SDS, British Army 7s (Great Britain) and Yaro Chiefs.

The Drua will kick off their campaign against British Army 7s at 11.40am on Thursday at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

The team made the semi-finals in their first appearance at the McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s in 2025

The three-day tournament is a big part of the Drua’s Sun Bell pre-season in preparation for the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.

Drua 7s Squad:

Elia Canakaivata (c), Joji Nasova, Isikeli Rabitu, Philip Baselala, Aisea Nawai, Kitione Salawa, Simeli Karacia, Joweli Walevu, Ilaisa Droasese, Maika Tuitubou, Kalioni Ratunabuabua, Pita Manamanaivalu, Meli Dreu, Bogi Kikau.

Drua 7s Management:

Head Coach: Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani, Assistant Coach: Meli Derenalagi, Technical Advisor: Waisale Serevi, Team Manager: Peceli Derenalagi.