Kuruvoli and Ikanivere resign to join Drua
Despite ending with a narrow defeat in the quarterfinal, Ikanivere and Kuruvoli played a pivotal role in the Fiji Water Flying Fijians team’s historic victories against England and Australia during the Rugby World Cup campaign of the previous year.
“We are thrilled to have secured Ikanivere and Kuruvoli for the Super Rugby Pacific,” says Mark Evans, CEO of Fijian Drua.
According to him, the players are enthusiastic about their chances in this competition and share their idea of what the Drua signifies. Evans claims that both players are elite athletes, and it means a great deal to them that they have choose to play for the Drua and be available for the Flying Fijians while remaining at home.
He continues, “It’s a testament to the work of their playing department and team management as well. Everyone in the Fijian Drua has bought into a clarity of roles and optimism about their future, which is fantastic to see.”
Evans goes on to say that they are looking forward to watching the two together again during what promises to be another exciting Super Rugby Pacific season. The Fijian Drua CEO says fans will once again be entertained with some of the best rugby players in the world, especially those heading to Fiji to play the Drua in Lautoka and Suva.
He says Ikanivere and Kuruvoli have come a long way since joining the squad in its inaugural year.
Evans says Ikanivere has made 25 appearances for the Drua with 7 tries, and this brilliant performance earned him the 2023 Drua Player of the Year award.
The 25-year-old has also recorded 13 Test caps for the Flying Fijians. Kuruvoli has made six appearances for the Drua, although the CEO of the Drua says he missed the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season because of a shoulder injury.
The 25-year-old, according to him, made a spectacular comeback to spearhead Fiji’s victory during the Rugby World Cup campaign and has amassed 11 Test caps for the Flying Fijians.
The Fijian Drua and the Blues will play their first game on Saturday in Auckland at 3:35 p.m.
In other games, the Rebels play the Brumbies at 8.35 p.m. on Friday, while the Chiefs play the Crusaders at 6.05 p.m. The Force and Hurricanes will play on Friday at 11 p.m. On Friday at 6.05 p.m., the Highlanders will host the Moana Pasifika; on Saturday at 9.05 p.m., the Reds will play the Waratahs.