Drua inspired to win for fallen star wing

The Frank Lomani captained- Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will look to claim the inaugural Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy when they face the Blues at Eden Park. Auckland, on Saturday night.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Drua head coach Glen Jackson paid tribute to the late Vidiri, a former Fiji, All Blacks and Blues winger who scored 43 tries for the Auckland side between 1996 and 2001.

“He’s a very important figure in Fiji rugby and New Zealand rugby. We spoke about it on Tuesday in camp,” Jackson said.

“It’s a massive motivation, and I’ll be disappointed if our boys aren’t motivated by such a great man and the chance to play for a trophy.

“It’s not often you get to play for silverware, and this is a huge motivational factor.

“It’s great that both the Blues and the Drua have come up with something like this, and we’re excited to hopefully lift the trophy for the first time.”

Vidiri, who was from Nausori Highlands near Nadi, died in 2022 after a serious kidney illness.

To mark the event, the Vidiri family will play a central role in awarding the silverware to the winning team.

Vidiri is among the many Fijian descent players who have represented the Blues over the years. The others are Waisake Sotutu, Joeli Veitayaki, Vula Maimuri, Api Naevo, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Deacon Manu, Isa Nacewa, Joe Rokocoko, Soane Vikena, Hoskins Sotutu, Emoni Narawa and the list goes on.