Tagiveitaua set for Drua debut against Waratahs

Livewirer hooker Kavaia Tagiveitaua is set to make his Fijian Drua debut after being named in the Match-day 23 squad for Friday's Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against NSW Waratahs in Sydney, Australia.

Head coach Glen Jackson said Tagivetaua has earned his opportu­nity after three years in the system.

"Kavaia has been unbelievable," Jackson said.

"He's gone on more tours with the Flying Fijians than he obviously has with us.

"In terms of his development, he's had the opportunity now to finally get his name on the team sheet. Last week he was just not 100 per cent but this week he is."

Jackson said Tagiveitaua deserve this opportunity.

"It's what this club was made for- young men like that to come through a development system into our senior squad and earn his de­but.

It's credit to him and his fam­ily. He's a wonderful kid and a very good rugby player who will end up playing a lot of games for the Drua.

We're stoked for Kavaia."

Tagiveitaua plays for Naitasiri in the Skipper Cup competition. He also represented the Fiji Under-20 rugby team. He has spent the past few seasons in the Drua develop­ment system. He has also been capped by the Flying Fijians.

The 22-year-old hails from Loman­ikoro in Bua with maternal links to Namaqumaqua in Serua.