Hooker Tevita Ikanivere and halfback Simione Kuruvoli have re-signed with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua ahead of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The highly regarded Flying Fijians were instrumental at the Rugby World Cup campaign last year, helping the national team notch up historic wins against England and Australia, finishing with a close loss in the quarter final.
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans: “We are delighted to secure Tex (Ikanivere) and Simi (Kuruvoli) for the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific. The players share our vision of
what the Drua represents and are excited about our prospects in this competition.”
“Both of them are world-class players and the fact that they’ve chosen to stay at home to play for the Drua and be available for the Flying Fijians means a lot to us.”
“It’s a testament to the work of our playing department and team management as well. There’s a clarity of roles and optimism about our future that everyone in the Fijian Drua has bought into, which is fantastic to see.”
Evans added: “We’re excited to the see the duo in action again, in what will be yet
another thrilling Super Rugby Pacific season. Fans will once again be entertained with some of the best rugby players in the world, especially those heading to Fiji to play the Fijian Drua in Lautoka and Suva.”
Both players have come a long way since joining the squad in its inaugural year.
Ikanivere has made 25 appearances for the Drua with 7 tries. This brilliant performance earned him the 2023 Drua Player of the Year award.
The 25-year-old has also recorded 13 Tests caps for the Flying Fijians.
Kuruvoli has made 6 appearances for the Drua but missed the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season due to a shoulder injury.
The 25-year-old returned in style to play a leading role in Fiji’s success during the Rugby World Cup Campaign. He has earned 11 Test caps for the Flying Fijians.
