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The Nemani Nadolo verdict on Drua transformation of Fijian rugby

18 Apr 2024

Fijian Drua celebrate a try in this season's Super Rugby Pacific (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Legendary Fiji winger Nemani Nadolo has hailed the transformation of rugby in the Pacific Islands nation following the formation of the Fijian Drua. The franchise was originally launched in 2017 to take part in the Australian National Championship, but that participation was ended by the pandemic.

However, an invitation to join Super Rugby Pacific in 2022 has since enabled the team to flourish and they are now in seventh place in the 12-team tournament heading into Friday’s round nine clash versus the top-of-the-table Hurricanes in Suva.

The 36-year-old Nadolo, who won 30-plus Test caps with Fiji and played at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, retired from playing last year following a stellar career that saw him represent multiple clubs in five countries – Australia, France, England, Japan, and New Zealand.

Patrick Pellegrini on going from the Championship to playing for Tonga

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Patrick Pellegrini on going from the Championship to playing for Tonga

Coventry’s Patrick Pellegrini explains what it was like to suddenly jump into a test rugby environment, with some big names around him.

This globe-trotting meant he never got the opportunity to play a season on the island, but the Sigatoka-born, Australian-raised star is chuffed that the successful establishment of Fijian Drua has created the opportunity for local players to play professionally at home rather than join overseas clubs.

“If the team was there then my route would be a lot different, but it’s great to see there is a professional team on the Island,” enthused Nadolo when interviewed by RugbyPass at the recent Hong Kong 10s.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Fijian Drua

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Full-time

Hurricanes

All Stats and Data

“I go and do a bit of media work over there with Fiji Drua and the fact they can earn a decent living and stay on the island, play in front of their families, why would you leave?

“Fiji is a wonderful place, wonderful country. It’s relaxing, it’s not as hustle and bustle as in some other cities or countries. It’s great for the game but it is also great for Fiji in terms of the development.

“They don’t need to go and play in a National One league in France or a Pro D2 club and their career sort of gets wasted away. They get to play on the island and now they are starting to retain players.

“Honestly, it’s great, it’s something that was probably crying out for a long time. It would have been good to have it five or 10 years earlier, it would have been great but it is what it is.

“I speak to some of the Fijian boys there and they are just so happy. They are getting offers from Europe but they are not taking it because why would they?

“They get to live at home, they get a good six-figure contract, and they are playing in front of their family. It’s the same for anyone in England or Ireland, why would you leave? You get to play for your country but also your club.”

"I did 4.9 for 40 metres and was 130 kilos. Not bad for a big guy… and I still have Crusaders' bench press record."
– COMING SOON TO RUGBYPASS: Nemani Nadolo interview with Liam Heagney ?? in Hong Kong #HKFC10s #FijiRugby #SuperRugbyPacific #GallagherPrem #TOP14 @LeagueOne_EN pic.twitter.com/b9s6Nh3IrV
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) April 4, 2024

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 2 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 3 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 3 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 3 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 3 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 3 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 3 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍