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Fijian Drua 2022

Dan54

Tim Horan (67)
I reckon WOBs idea of Griffith Uni might be good (if they got facilities), we have to remember it's only for a year or so, can't see anyone wanting to spend money.
 

Jets

Paul McLean (56)
Staff member
There's not much at the Logan campus. If Griffith were to be involved then GC or Nathan. There are two fields at Nathan just off Kessels Rd, one is an AFL field and the other a multipurpose rectangular field.
 

Dan54

Tim Horan (67)
They only based in Brisbane for first year aren't they? So will be somewhere with facilities already up and going I assume.
 

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
No directly related to the Drua, but they could benefit.

Fiji Rugby have opted not to take any southern hemisphere players or coaches on their NH tour, due to fears of them getting home. It means they've had to scramble together a whole new coaching team led by Gareth Baber.

The Flying Fijians 2021 Northern Hemisphere Coaching and Management Team is:

Gareth Baber Head Coach
Duncan Hodge Assistant Coach
Rory Best Assistant Coach
Richie Gray Assistant Coach
Dan Baugh Lead S&C
Thomas McArdle S&C
Matt Lee Physio
Brian Downey Physio
Osian Griffiths Assistant Physio
Matt Johnston Lead Analyst
Josh Vuto Remote Analyst
Clive Monkley Doctor
Chris Thomson Manager
Alifereti Vakacokovanua Assistant Manager

Flying Fijians 28-member squad:


Loose Head Prop

Peni Ravai
Eroni Mawi

Hooker
Samuel Matavesi
Peniami Narisia

Tight Head Prop
Luke Tagi
Mesake Doge
Leeroy Atalifo

Locks
Tevita Ratuva
Temo Mayanavanua
Albert Tuisue
Leone Nakarawa

Backrow/Lock
Peceli Yato
Johnny Dyer

Backrow
Masivesi Dakuwaqa *
Mesulame Kunavula
Bill Mata

Halfback
Frank Lomani
Nikola Matawalu

Flyhalf
Ben Volavola

Centre/Flyhalf
Vilimoni Botitu *

Center
Levani Botia
Eneriko Buliruarua

Center/Wing
Waisea Nayacalevu
Josua Tuisova

Wing
Eroni Sau
Aminiasi Tuimaba *
Jiuta Wainiqolo *

Wing/Fullback
Seta Tuicuvu

Key: * is for the debutants

Flying Fijians Test Matches:
7th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Spain
Venue: Estadio Central UC, Madrid
Kick Off: 2am

15th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Wales
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick Off: 4.15am

20th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Georgia
Venue: TBC
Kick Off: TBC

Perhaps it means the Fiji Drua gets more time training together (not sure if they would have had any internationals touring) and perhaps some access to their international coaches, if needed.
 

Wilson

David Codey (61)
More signings for the Drua:

The Fijian Drua have today announced five forward and two backline additions to the squad for their inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Wave Six player announcements feature seasoned reps and exciting young prospects as the Fijian Drua continue on their maiden voyage to Super Rugby. These include Flying Fijians Mesulame Dolokoto, Teti Tela and Haereiti Hetet, Fijian U20s and Warriors’ star Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, young Nadi standout forward Vilive Miramira, as well as NZ-based Counties Manukau NPC stars Zuriel Togiatama and Viliame Rarasea.

Good to see Teti Tela get a contract, he should be a good experienced influence around the squad, particularly in helping them settle into SEQ for 2022.
 

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
yeah I thought he might be an option. He played basically a full club season up here.

They do have 34 signed at the moment, although not many specialist outside backs. Plenty of versatility though.
 

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
Apparently they'll be based at Lenox Head. Nice part of the world to be.
I'm guessing using this place a fair bit.

 

Tomikin

Simon Poidevin (60)
I'm guessing using this place a fair bit.

Watching there promotional video , it would seem to be a favorite for the Fijian teams, there all through it.
 

Tomikin

Simon Poidevin (60)
Perhaps they will use Cbus? Could possibly be a small problem using Suncorp for all home games or something.
I thought there was an understanding they would play at Suncorp, guess if its Cbus it makes sense. Still crossing the border at this times problematic, but they would probably be in a bubble anyway.
 
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