It’s usually in the off-season where a lot of teams and athletes put in the extra yards in preparations for the sports year ahead, a dedication often highlighted in NZ sports news.
Such is the case for the two Pacific clubs in Super Rugby Pacific, Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua who have confirmed some key signings for their sides in next year’s competition.
Leading the way for Moana was the signing of All Blacks and Hurricanes loose forward Ardie Savea, who’s inclusion in the side drew a lot of attention from rugby fans and pundits across the world.
After clinching the ‘World’s Best Player of the Year’ award last year, Savea brings a lot of experience and knowledge to Moana under the leadership of coach Faalogo Tana Umaga.
With Savea’s experience, Moana has also signed two of Samoa’s best local stars, Melani Matavao and Tuna Tuitama. Both Matavao and Tuitama were with the squad last year but only as extra players for the pre-season.
Matavao however ended up debuting for Moana covering the halfback role due to injuries. With both having experience in the sevens and fifteen-a-side code for Samoa, it’s hoped Matavao and Tuitama can bring some of their natural flair and style to the team.
Also joining the Moana family will be two new first five eighths in Jackson Garden-Bachop and Patrick Pellegrini. Garden-Bachop, who is currently starring for Wellington in the ITM Cup, is no stranger to Super rugby having donned the Hurricanes jersey in the past.
Pellegrini is coming off two stellar seasons with the Coventry club in England, finishing the 2023/24 season as the top points scorer in the Championship.
He also received the Coventry Rugby Supporters’ Club Player of the Year Award and was named in the Championship team of the season.
Fijian Drua are also bringing in some new weapons to their side with the inclusion of rugby union and league star Vuate Karawalevu on a full time contract.
Karawalevu made his debut for the national 15’s side in the Pacific Nations Cup round one game against Samoa. The 23-year-old played at full-back, scoring one try while making a significant contribution in Fiji’s 42-16 win against their Pacific rivals.
He also featured in super rugby for the NSW Waratahs in 2024. He has also represented Fiji in Rugby League, turning out for the Fiji Bati at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
Joining Karawalevu on a two year deal is former Racing 92 centre Inia Tabuavou.
A former Natabua High School student, Tabuavou joined Racing 92 in 2020. His strong performances in the mid-field on both attack and defence earned him a Flying Fijians call-up earlier this year, starting at inside centre against Georgia and the All Blacks.
Tabuavou made 21 appearances for Racing 92, scoring 3 tries. He has made two appearances so far for the Flying Fijians.
