Former Wallabies loose forward Isi Naisarani will return to his roots after signing with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The Fiji-born No. 8’s arrival marks a significant homecoming, with the former Ratu Kadavulevu School student set to play professional rugby in front of family, friends and the passionate Drua fanbase after spending much of his career abroad.

Originally from Naqali in Naitasiri, with maternal links to Gusuisavu, Naisarani brings extensive Super Rugby and international experience to the Drua setup. The powerful backrower previously represented the Western Force, ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels in Australia, while also spending time playing professionally in Japan.

Naisarani expressed his excitement about joining the Drua and reconnecting with supporters back home.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Fijian Drua team for the 2027 season. My family and I can’t wait to meet and connect with all the fans. Let’s make 2027 a good one. Toso Drua Toso!” he said.

The 30-year-old first rose to prominence with Brisbane club side Souths before earning selection for Brisbane City in Australia’s National Rugby Championship in 2016. His breakout season saw him score five tries in seven appearances, attracting the attention of Super Rugby franchises.

Naisarani made his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in 2017 and immediately made an impact, playing 15 matches and becoming the first player to win the Nathan Sharpe Medal as the club’s Player of the Year in his debut professional season.

His outstanding performances also earned him the prestigious Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) Medal for Excellence, becoming the first player to claim the award in his rookie year.

After stints with the Brumbies and Rebels, Naisarani returned to the Force in 2023 and has amassed more than 65 Super Rugby appearances throughout his career.

His form earned him a Wallabies call-up in 2019, making his international debut against South Africa in Johannesburg before being selected in Australia’s squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan later that year. He started against Fiji in Australia’s opening pool match and also featured in the quarterfinal against England.

Drua Head Coach Brad Mooar believes Naisarani’s experience and leadership qualities will add significant value to the squad.

“Isi joining the Drua Vuvale is a very exciting signing for us. A dynamic, powerful and skilful player, he will add a huge amount to our game in attack and defence,” Mooar said.

“Watching his games in the Shute Shield this year and speaking with Isi, it is clear that he is in a great space and is loving his rugby and life. Isi is happy, fulfilled and hungry to keep getting better and to give to the Drua. That is a powerful combination.”

Naisarani heads to Fiji on the back of an impressive 2026 campaign, having been named at No. 8 in the Code Sports Shute Shield Team of the Year and finishing runner-up in the Ken Catchpole Medal race.

His signing provides the Drua with a proven international performer as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.