Fijian Drua sack test-capped utility back for disciplinary reasons

The Fijian Drua have sacked test-capped utility back Serupepeli Vularika for disciplinary reasons.

The 31-year-old, who has played 12 tests for Fiji since 2016, will now return home from Australia, where the Drua are based for the Super Rugby Pacific season, where he will discuss his future with the Fiji Rugby Union.

While the reasoning behind Vularika’s dismissal remains unexplained, Drua chief executive Brian Thorburn condemned his actions.

What it’s like being the only non-Fijian player at the Fijian Drua | Aotearoa Rugby Pod

What it’s like being the only non-Fijian player at the Fijian Drua | Aotearoa Rugby Pod

“The foundation of a successful professional team are the values that underpin it. We set very high standards for our players, management and staff in this regard,” Thorburn said.

“All of us at the Drua are expected to live up to our values and adhere to these standards. We are disappointed to have to make this decision today regarding Seru, but it is in the best interest of our club.”

Vularika, who is primarily a halfback but can also play at first-five and in the midfield, was yet to feature for the Drua in their inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Halfbacks Simione Kuruvoli and Peni Matawalu have both started in two matches apiece of the four fixtures played thus far this year, while new recruit Frank Lomani made his debut off the bench against the Reds last Saturday.

The Drua currently sit in ninth place on the Super Rugby Pacific table, two points adrift from a play-offs berth with one win from four matches to their name.

They are scheduled to host the eighth-placed Western Force at Leichardt Oval in Sydney on Saturday.