All 15 Fiji starters share a Fijian Drua connection ahead of PNC Final against Japan

Every one of Fiji’s 15 starters for Saturday’s Pacific Nations Cup Final against Japan at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo either currently plays for the Fijian Drua or has done so in the past — a statistic that underlines just how central the Super Rugby Pacific franchise has become to the Flying Fijians’ identity.

Eighteen of the full 23-man matchday squad are active Drua players, accounting for six of the eight forwards, six of the seven backs, and a further six bench players. Only two players in the entire squad — potential debutants Vilikesa Nairau and Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens — have no Drua connection whatsoever, meaning 91 per cent of the squad have spent time with the franchise.

Captain Tevita Ikanivere, who left the Drua to join Japan Rugby League One side Mie Honda Heat, leads the side as Fiji bid for a third consecutive PNC title. They have won the last two editions, beating Japan on both occasions, including the final held in Japan two years ago.

Among the non-Drua starters, backrower Elia Canakaivata — one of the club’s all-time greats — has signed with English Premiership side Sale Sharks, while fly-half Caleb Muntz is now with French club Provence. Prop Peni Ravai spent time with the Queensland Reds before returning to the Drua ahead of the 2025 season.

Openside flanker Motikiai Murray arrives in form after a Player of the Match display against Canada last weekend, scoring twice in a 45-29 win in Osaka. Frank Lomani will start at scrum-half alongside Muntz, with Manasa Mataele, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa, Joji Nasova and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula completing the backline.

Speaking after the captain’s run in Tokyo, Ikanivere was direct about the team’s ambitions. “The goal is clear for us, we’re here to win,” he said. “We’ve prepared, we’ve done everything we could’ve done throughout this week to prepare well.”

Interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula framed the final as both a trophy opportunity and a showcase for players eyeing selection for the Nations Championship in November. “The game is very important for us… we want to win and also push the players that we have — they want to showcase their talents so that they can be considered for the upcoming Nations in November,” he said.