Eight new faces in Fijian Drua 12-member development squad

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua yesterday confirmed their 12-member development squad for this year. The 2026 group features four players from last year’s squad and eight new players who have forced their way into the Drua.

The development player programme is a key part of the Drua pathway, providing emerging talent with access to a high-performance environment and helping them transition into professional rugby, reflecting the franchise’s commitment to preparing players who are ready to step up to Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific when called upon.

Fijian Drua development coach Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani said: “I’m really excited about the Development squad we’ve finalised. Many of these players have been standout performers for their clubs, and several have represented Fiji Under-20.

“They’ve earned their place here and combined with those who’ve been with us over the past few years, we have a really exciting group. I’m looking forward to working with them throughout the season.”

The squad are: Bogi Kikau, Breyton Legge, Harold Rounds, JD Sivivatu Kanth, Jeneiro, Wakeham, Joshua Uluibau, Joweli Walevu, Kalioni Ratunabuabua, Maleli Nauvasi, Moses Armstrong Ravula, Pita Manamanaivalu, Sairusi Ravudi.

Returning Faces

The squad features returning players Breyton Legge (Naitasiri) and Maleli Nauvasi (Nadi U20), joined by Kalioni Ratunabuabua (Nadi) and Joweli Walevu, who were scouted from a local sevens competition in 2025.

New Faces

1. JD Sivivatu Kanth

Kanth has enjoyed a remarkable rise from an AFL background. Originally from Macuata, Vanua Levu, with maternal ties to Nauru, Sivivatu spent his early years in Nauru before relocating to Fiji in 2023 to attend Ratu Navula College.

Despite transitioning from AFL, Sivivatu adapted quickly to rugby and made an immediate impact. In 2023, he represented Ratu Navula College Under-18, Nadi Rugby Union Under-20, the Nauru national team, and the Pacific Mana Academy. His rapid development and work ethic earned him opportunities with Sunnybank Dragons Senior Rugby in Australia, inclusion in the Queensland Reds extended squad, and later a professional contract with VPC Andorra Rugby XV in Spain.

2. Moses Armstrong Ravula

Ravula captained the Fiji Under-20 side at last year’s Oceania Rugby Challenge. The younger brother of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, Moses was also a member of the Moana Pasifika Under-20 squad last season.

He further gained overseas experience with New Zealand’s Manawatu Turbos during the 2023–2024 season.

He is from Moce, Lau and shares maternal links to Tonga.

3. Joshua Uluibau

Uluibau was identified through the local provincial competition after starring for the Nadi Rugby senior team. The former Ratu Navula College student also played for the Fiji Under - 20 in 2023-2024.

Uluibau is originally from Maloku, Moala in Lau and shares maternal links to Narewa in Nadi.

4. Sairusi Ravudi

Ravudi is a promising rugby talent who represented Rotorua Boys’ High School before earning selection into the New Zealand Fijian Secondary Schools team and the Fiji Under-20 squad.

Ravudi is originally from Nakorovou, Dreketi in Rewa and shares maternal links to Nasukamai, Nalawa, Ra.

5. Harold Rounds

Roundswas named in the wider training squad for the Fiji Under-20 team as a prop in 2025 while also playing for Bay of Plenty in NZ. He featured for the Chiefs Under-20 side in the 2025 Super Rugby Under-20 tournament, competing against top age-grade squads from New Zealand and the Pacific.

Rounds was part of the Bay of Plenty Steamers squad named for the 2025 Bunnings NPC season, showcasing his capabilities in a senior provincial squad in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship. He received recognition at the Bay of Plenty Rugby Awards, where he was named U18 Male Player of the Year in 2023, reflecting strong performance in the team’s youth ranks.

Rounds is originally from Galoa, Serua and shares maternal links to Naduri in Macuata.

6. Jeneiro Wakeham

Wakeham progressed through the Fiji Rugby Union Elite Player Pathway programme, where the nearly 7-foot lock made history as the youngest member of the Fijian squad in 2020 and also featured for the Suva Under-20 side.

In March 2021, Wakeham secured a four-year contract with Top 14 club Stade Français in France. He went on to represent Fiji Under-20 at the Oceania Rugby U20 Championship on the Gold Coast in 2022.

During the 2023–24 season, he gained further experience with Pro D2 side Stade Niçois, before signing with London-based RFU Championship club Ealing Trailfinders in July 2024.

In December 2024, Wakeham achieved another milestone by becoming the first Fijian selected for the International Player Pathway for the 2025 NFL season.

Wakeham is originally from Savudrodro, Savusavu and shares maternal links to Oneata, Lau.

7. Pita Manamanaivalu

Manamanaivalu has represented Fiji Under-20 and featured for Manawatū Rugby in New Zealand’s Bunnings NPC, earning recognition for his strong ball-carrying ability and attacking presence.

A product of the Quins junior system, Manamanaivalu has continued to progress through high-performance environments and has also undertaken train-and-trial opportunities with the Fijian Drua, highlighting his potential as an emerging loose forward.

Manamanaivalu is originally from Natewa, Vanualevu and shares maternal links to Croatia.

8. Bogi Kikau

Kikau represented Fiji at the 2024 World Rugby Under-20 Championship, lining up alongside fellow rising stars Breyton Legge, Mosese Armstrong-Ravula, and main squad members Aisea Nawai, Isikeli Basiyalo, and Sikeli Rabitu.

He has also been part of the Hawke’s Bay Academy (2024–2025), the Hurricanes Under-20, and the Fiji Under-20 squad last season. Kikau’s performances at the tournament cemented his reputation as a promising Fijian talent, and he continues to progress through the Fijian Drua development pathway, gaining valuable experience in professional training environments.

He is originally from Tubou, Lakeba in Lau and shares maternal links to Lawaki, Nakasaleka in Kadavu.

The 12 players will train alongside the main squad during the 2026 Sun Bell pre-season and throughout the campaign, gaining invaluable experience in the professional setup as the Drua continue preparations for their fifth season in Super Rugby Pacific.- Fijian Drua Media

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