Fijian Drua Introduces New Defensive Coach…
Alistair Rogers, a former All Blacks analyst, is now the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s new defense coach for the upcoming 2024 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. Rogers takes over from Brad Harris, who concluded his term with the team after the 2023 season ended in July.
With nearly two decades of coaching and analysis experience in first-class rugby, Rogers brings a wealth of expertise to the Drua. Notably, he was part of the All Blacks’ support staff during their Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. His most recent stint was with the Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan.
Fijian Players Embark on New Journeys
The upcoming rugby season will witness numerous Fijian players donning new team colors, owing to several transfers this year. In Super Rugby Pacific, Vuate Karawalevu, a 22-year-old who made his Fiji Bati debut in last year’s World Cup, has signed a one-year deal with the Waratahs, transitioning from his previous roles with the Kaiviti Silktails and Roosters. He will be joining fellow Fijian talents such as Mark Nawaqanitawase and Langi Gleeson.
Reds winger Filipo Daugunu has switched over to the Rebels, while Luke Tagi, the FIJI Water Flying Fijians prop, has joined Bayonne, alongside Api Ratuniyarawa.
Kaminieli Rasaku, a former Fiji 7s star, was recently released from his contract due to personal reasons. Petero Mailulu, a lanky former Fiji under-20 lock, has left Bordeaux Begles to play for the French Pro D2 club Beziers.
Apisai Naqalevu, who stepped in as an injury replacement during the 2021 Northern Tour, has signed with Perpignan after his stint with Clermont, which also signed Pita Gus Sowakula, a former Chiefs number eight.
Akuila Tabualevu, the former Fiji Under-20 skipper, is now part of La Rochelle, while Semi Radradra, the Flying Fijians center, will be featured in Lyon.
Several other Fijian players have made moves as well. Temo Mayanavanua joined Northampton in Premiership Rugby, Josua Tuisova signed with Racing 92, Tavite Veredamu linked up with Perpignan, and Noa Nakaitaci will play for Toulon, having been part of the 2015 France Six Nations squad.
Toulon will also see fullback Setariki Tuicuvu and Setareki Bituniyata representing them in the upcoming season, while Josua Tuisova has joined Racing 92.”
Note: This paraphrase maintains the essential information from the original article while rephrasing it in a more concise and coherent manner.
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