Drua will inspire young players says Elder Muava'a

Saia Muava'a believes the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s presence in Ba will inspire young people in the community.

The 20-year-old was among fans who watched the Drua men’s team train at the Four R stadium in Ba yesterday.

Muava'a, who hails from Samoa and has a New Zealand mother, is an elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is currently serving in Ba.

“It’s a great impact for the Ba community, especially for the younger generation, seeing their idols and being inspired by the game of rugby that we all love in Fiji,” Muava'a said.

“Ba is well known as a football town, but having the Drua train here opens up opportunities for other sports as well. Young boys can come and see the level of rugby and be inspired.”

He played with Drua development squad member Pita Manamanaivalu at the Melbourne Rebels academy in 2018 and 2019 and watching him train yesterday was the fulfilment of a dream.

Manamanaivalu is a promising young backline rep in the 2026 development squad.

“It was great watching him (Manamanaivalu) achieve his dream to play for the Drua

“Coming from New Zealand, being able to see the Drua live in action is really special,” he said.

Muava'a said events like this showed young players the pathway to professional rugby.

“If you want to play on the big stage and want people to see you, this is where it starts,” he said.