‘Tough season without dad’

The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season would be a little different for Fijian Drua prop Haereiti Hetet. 

The 28-year-old Yaroi, Matuku, Lau native said he would miss his stand on the stands.

His father, the late Joeli Veitayaki a former national rep passed away in October last year. 

“He came to most of the games last few years. I always give him tickets but he’s in a better place now and now he can come to all the games anywhere,” Hetet said.

“It’s going to be a tough one, but at the same time, it’s motivating.” 

Hetet said the Fiji Water Flying Fijians November Northern hemisphere was a good break for him before the Drua pre-season began. 

He lives in New Zealand with his family where he began his rugby career with Waikato Mooloos in 2017 before he played for Bay of Plenty Steamers. He joined the Drua in 2021. 

“I’ve been away from Fiji for a while, so just getting used to the atmosphere and the weather. It’s very hot,” he said.

He is looking forward to play along new players this season. 

“We’ve got a lot of new guys coming in and experienced players, so just learning off them how they go about their days throughout the season,” Hetet said. 

The Drua finished 10th last season; they did not make the play-offs. 

“I think as a team, we’re disappointed about last year, but that’s in the past and we’re looking forward to building to a good season this year.”