Drua unveil first lineup of 2026 to face Moana Pasifika

Head Coach Glen Jackson unveiled a powerful Round 1 match-day squad to take on fierce Pacific rivals Moana Pasifika. The matchday 23 is headlined by five players who return home after years away, to don the Drua jersey for the first time.

Running out officially at the Drua’s Churchill Park Fortress for the first time are talismanic Flying Fijian Temo Mayanavanua, former Super Rugby Pacific champion Manasa Mataele, former Wallaby Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and former European Player of the Year, former French International and a proud son of Naitasiri, Virimi Vakatawa. The four joined an already star studded Fijian Drua starting fifteen consisting of several Flying Fijian stars.

On the bench, Powerful hooker Penaia Cakobau has forced his way into the matchday 23 squad after joining the Club as injury cover. The Somosomo, Taveuni lad has already made appearances in trial matches against the Chiefs and Skipper Select XV, and is in line for a potential debut.

In the starting 15, prop Haereiti Hetet (1) is at loosehead prop in the season opener, with Mesake Doge (3) at tighthead prop. Zuriel Togiatama (2) will run out for his 38th Super Rugby Pacific appearance at hooker.

 In the middle row, the most Drua-capped player Isoa Nasilasila (4) partners Mayanavanua (5) who leads the side as co-captain. A positional switch sees Mesake Vocevoce (6) line up at blindside flanker for the first time with Kitione Salawa (7) at openside. Blockbusting loose forward Elia Canakaivata (8) starts the match at number 8.

In the backline, the experienced Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (9) gets the nod to start at halfback, partnering Lautoka-favourite Kemu Valetini (10) who is at flyhalf. Flyer Ponipate Loganimasi (11) starts on the left wing with Mataele (14) on the right wing. Vakatawa (12) starts the match at inside centre with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (13) at outside centre. Ilaisa Droasese (15) has been handed the fullback duties for the match.

On the bench, Jackson has named the experienced prop Peni Ravai (17) as loosehead cover with Samuela Tawake (18) covering at tighthead. Penaia Cakobau (16) is the back-up hooker. Expect Joseva Tamani to be injected into the match at lock (19), with Isoa Tuwai (20) in the back-row.

 Jackson has gone for utility options for the backline on the bench, naming co-captain Frank Lomani (21), Isikeli Rabitu (22) and Epeli Momo (23) in the reserves. The trio are able cover a number of positions between them, offering multiple options in attack against what is expected to be a strong Moana Pasifika side.