Brad Mooar names eight debutants in first Fijian Drua Super Rugby squad

Brad Mooar has named his first Fijian Drua squad as head coach, handing eight new faces their debut call-ups for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season alongside a core of experienced campaigners who will help shape the next generation of Flying Fijians.

Harold Rounds, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Leone Nakarawa, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Isi Naisarani, Josefa Namosimalua, Ben Volavola, and Nacani Boginisoko are the newcomers, covering outside backs, flyhalves, loose forwards, locks, and props. The 32-man group also retains eight players from the club’s founding cohort and carries a combined 489 Test caps of international experience.

Mooar is not the only new arrival in the coaching setup. Mike Catt, the former England and Lions backs coach, has joined as lead assistant, adding another layer of international expertise to a staff tasked with pushing the Drua further up the Super Rugby Pacific standings.

Among the returning players, former captain Meli Derenalagi is set to make his long-awaited comeback after missing the entire 2026 season with successive injuries. His experience will be valuable alongside the likes of halfback Frank Lomani and prop Haereiti Hetet, who form part of the senior group charged with mentoring the new arrivals.

The 2027 squad also retains Kitione Salawa, who claimed both the Drua Player of the Year and Drua Players’ Player of the Year awards, and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, the club’s all-time leading points scorer. Armstrong-Ravula will now benefit from working alongside 48-Test flyhalf Ben Volavola, one of the more notable new additions.

Eight players departed during the offseason. Halfback Simione Kurovoli, fullback Ilaisa Droasese, lock Isoa Nasilasila, utility forward Joseva Tamani, No.8 Elia Canakaivata, flanker Etonia Waqa, winger Ponipate Loganimasi, and centre Inia Tabuavou have all left the club.

The blend of youth and experience reflects a deliberate approach from Mooar as he looks to build on the foundations laid since the Drua entered Super Rugby Pacific in 2022. With Fiji’s domestic pipeline continuing to produce talent, the 2027 campaign will serve as an early indicator of the direction the new coaching staff intends to take the franchise.