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DRUA SIGN TALENTED CENTRE KAVEKINI BOSELAWA AS SENIOR DEVELOPMENT PLAYER


26 August 2026

NADI, FIJI — The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have signed explosive Nadroga centre Kavekini Boselawa as a Senior Development Player after impressing new Head Coach Brad Mooar and Club officials in Round 1 of this year's Skipper Cup competition. Boselawa's signing is yet another example of the Drua creating clear pathways for talented local players to progress into Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific, and a nod to the strength and competitiveness of Fiji's domestic competitions.

Boselawa hails from Naduri, Macuata in Vanua Levu, with strong maternal ties (vasu) to Nadrala, Nadroga. A latecomer to the fifteen-a-side code, Boselawa initially excelled in soccer throughout his primary and secondary schooling at Nadrala Sangam School and Sigatoka Methodist College. It wasn't until his tertiary studies in Land Surveying at the Fiji National University (FNU) at age 19 that he first pulled on a rugby boot.

Despite starting his rugby journey later than most, Boselawa rapidly accelerated through the local rugby landscape. He carved out a formidable reputation representing the Nadrala Rugby Club (Bay of Plenty) and provincial team Nadroga.

Reflecting on the moment he signed his official contract, a humbled Boselawa shared: "I am happy and quite emotional and thank the Lord for this opportunity."

Crediting his father, who played the same outside back and midfield positions, as his ultimate role model, Boselawa emphasised the values instilled in him from home: "My Tou (dad) has had the biggest influence on me, as a man and on my rugby journey. He has always shared the importance of putting God first in everything we do and everything else will follow."

The rising star is energised by the prospect of running out in front of the club's passionate fan base: "Nothing beats playing at home, in front of our home crowd and especially family."

Boselawa is eager to test his capabilities once given the opportunity to don the famous Drua jersey and has identified Crusaders star David Havili and former Fijian Drua star centre Iosefo Masi as players who inspire him.
He caught the eye of the incoming Head Coach with his physical prowess and adaptability in Lautoka during Round 1 of the 2026 Skipper Cup. Following a few weeks of close tracking, the Club locked him in: "Kavekini immediately stood out when I watched him in Lautoka in July. Our leadership team tracked him over the last month and he has all the attributes we demand from our backs. This is what it's all about—scouring local club rugby and giving homegrown talent a pathway to thrive."

Boselawa is now within touching distance of a spot in the main Drua squad and taking on the world's best rugby players in Super Rugby Pacific.

Fans can catch the Club’s latest recruit this Friday at Lawaqa Park as Nadroga take on Navosa in Round 5 of the Skipper Cup Competition.

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Island Pharmacy increases support for Ba Rugby

Ba-based Island Pharmacy has increased the company’s support for Ba Rugby this season by signing up as BRU’s Official Pharmacy and Official First Aid Supplier for the Skipper Cup and Subrails Marama Championship.

“We are not only very grateful but also extremely proud to be working with Island Pharmacy in the vital area of player welfare,” BRU Secretary Gaby Kautoga said. ”Island Pharmacy has been working with us since 2023, and this year’s increased sponsorship of in-kind medical supplies will allow our three provincial teams to be properly looked after in this key area.”

“Three years ago, when we were just restarting club rugby in Ba, Island Pharmacy came to our aid and gave us some well-needed sponsorship. Now, after three full club and provincial seasons, our relationship with the company has strengthened to a new level of mutual trust and respect.”

Island Pharmacy, established in Ba in 1978 by its late founder Pushp Chand, is the town’s longest‑serving pharmacy and has proudly supported the community for over 48 years.

Island Pharmacy’s Pharmacist and Manager, Dhipak Kumar, who oversees the Ba branch, expressed his delight at the progress Ba Rugby has made since the company’s first involvement in 2023.

He emphasized that Island Pharmacy’s role as Official Pharmacy and Official First Aid Supplier reflects a shared commitment to player welfare and community health, strengthening the bond between the pharmacy and the Ba Rugby Union.

“We have witnessed all the development work done by the Ba Rugby Union in terms of their club rugby and junior rugby, and we can feel the importance of rugby within the community here,” Kumar said.

“The size of the crowds we see each Saturday at Vinod Patel Park and 4R Stadium, Govind Park, are matched by their volume and enthusiasm for their clubs. Island Pharmacy are delighted to be able to partner with the Ba Rugby Union as Official Pharmacy and Official First Aid Supplier.”

“Island Pharmacy is a also proud supporter of grassroots community projects, and Ba Rugby certainly comes under that banner,” Kumar said. “When the rugby is on, the town is buzzing.”

Kumar added that Island Pharmacy will be offering a 10% discount to all card-carrying members of the Ba Rugby community.

Images:

Island Pharmacy’s Dhipak Kumar (left) with BRU Secretary Gaby Kautoga at the signing of the new agreement between the two parties.

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Welcome home, Legend🫡



One of the most storied Flying Fijians of all time, Leone Nakarawa is returning home to join the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.

The Rio Gold Medalist will bring with him years of experience playing rugby at the highest international and professional levels. His leadership and ball skills will be vital for the Drua’s young squad as the Club embarks on its 6th Super Rugby Pacific season.

Ever a man of a few words, Nakarawa reflected on the opportunity with a simple, enthusiastic comment: “Looking forward to be playing for the Drua and playing professional and staying Fiji.”

The offload maestro has made 132 professional appearances across Glasgow Warriors, Racing 92, Toulon and Castres, and 68 appearances for the Flying Fijians.

Raised in Matanagata, Vatukoula, the Kadavu native has gone on to become one of the most recognisable Flying Fijians of his generation. Nakarawa has represented Fiji at three Rugby World Cups, with his standout performances at the 2015 tournament earning him a selection in the official Team of the Tournament.
Nakarawa played a major role in Glasgow’s historic 2015 PRO12 title triumph and was named Player of the Match in the Grand Final victory over Munster. He was also named the EPCR European Player of the Year in 2018, after helping Racing reach the European Champions Cup final.

His achievements in the sport were complemented by one of the defining moments in Fiji's sporting history in Rio. Nakarawa was part of the Ben Ryan-coached Fiji 7s team that captured Olympic gold in 2016, delivering a moment that transcended rugby.

Before becoming one of world rugby’s most recognisable forwards, Leone Nakarawa built his name through Fiji’s domestic rugby system, including representing Tailevu. His early rugby journey was also shaped by his time in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, where he played for Army Red and later Army Green before breaking into higher-level rugby. Those performances helped open the door to the Fiji Warriors and ultimately the Flying Fijians.

Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby Baden Stephenson said: “Leone is a quality person, quality leader and big game player. We are excited to bring someone of his vast experience into the forward pack. It will be very special seeing Leone represent his family, village and country in the Super Rugby competition.”

Drua hint at a new big signing…

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