Top playmakers join Fijian Drua development

Skipper Cup playmakers Joeli Baleilevuka of Nadroga and Tevita Ledua of Malolo have been named in the Fijian Drua development squad announced yesterday.

Baleilevuka switched from rugby league to spearhead Nadroga’s campaign in the 2024 Skipper Cup final, where they defeated Suva 22-14. He scored 17 points in the final before playing his rugby in Georgia last year.

Ledua emerged as another promising playmaker after helping Malolo beat Naitasiri 41-26 in last year’s Skipper Cup final.

Another prominent inclusion is Flying Fijians halfback Sam Wye, who has one Super Rugby appearance to his name while representing Moana Pasifika.

The squad comprises 13 development players and seven Next Gen players.

Drua director of pathways Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani said the club was excited about the quality of this year’s development squad.

“We are really excited the quality of this year’s development squad.

“It already features two capped Flying Fijians, eight exciting new faces and five returning players.

“Every single player has come through the Fijian rugby pathway, either through provincial rugby, schools’ rugby, national age-group teams or directly via the Flying Fijians.”

The squad will be guided by a new coaching duo comprising former Flying Fijians fullback Kini Murimurivalu and former Lautoka Rugby coach Kiniviliame Bavadra.

Murimurivalu represented Fiji at three Rugby World Cups and enjoyed an extensive professional career in France and England, playing for Clermont Auvergne, La Rochelle and Leicester Tigers.

He also brings coaching experience from his involvement with Rewa Rugby and holds a Level 3 coaching qualification.

Bavadra joins the Drua after previously coaching Lautoka in the Skipper Cup competition. He brings valuable knowledge of the local rugby landscape as the pair look to nurture and prepare the next generation of Drua talent.

Development squad: Joeli Baleilevuka, Kavekini Boselawa, Luke Tuvalu, Marika Koroi, Sakiusa Vosayaco, Sam Wye, Tevita Ledua, Viliame Tuwai, Breyton Legge, Josh Uluibau, Moses Armstrong-Ravula, Jeneiro Wakeham and Maleli Nauvasi.

Next Gen: Alfred Cornish, Christian Oakley, Epeli Rabaka, Jone Raibevu, Rafaele Waqalala, Viliame Bale and Viliame Daurua.