The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has bolstered its forward stocks ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season with the signing of experienced Flying Fijian and Nadroga stalwart Manueli Ratuniyarawa.

The move marks a significant milestone for the former police officer, who has spent years developing his game with the Nadroga Stallions and now gets his opportunity to showcase his talents on the professional stage.

Ratuniyarawa will also make history as the first player from Korotogo village in Nadroga to join the Drua, adding another proud chapter to a rugby journey that saw him become the first player from his village to represent the Flying Fijians in 2020.

The versatile forward, who also has maternal links to Malake in Ra, expressed his gratitude after securing his place in the Drua squad.

“I am so happy to be given this opportunity to join the Drua, and I’m grateful to the coaches and management for believing in me. I never dreamed that one day I would be here and have the opportunity to wear the Drua jersey. It is truly an honour,” Ratuniyarawa said.

A former Queen Victoria School student and Fiji National University graduate with a Diploma in Wood Processing and Value Adding, Ratuniyarawa has built an impressive rugby career both locally and overseas.

Most recently, he played for Rugby Club Batumi in Georgia, helping the club secure the 2025/26 Didi 10 Premier title.

Known for his physicality and versatility across lock and loose forward positions, Ratuniyarawa first gained national recognition through standout performances for Nadroga. His efforts earned selection in Fiji’s squad for the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup, where he made his Test debut off the bench against Georgia at Murrayfield, helping Fiji secure a 38-24 victory.

He was also selected for the World Barbarian XV that faced England in the same year.

Before establishing himself in the 15-a-side game, Ratuniyarawa was involved with the Fiji Men’s Sevens programme in 2018 and 2019 and later featured during the national side’s tour of Korea in 2023.

His rise through the ranks began in village rugby before being identified and given an opportunity with Nadroga. Over the years, he became a key figure in the Stallions’ pack, serving in leadership roles as both captain and co-captain while cementing his reputation as one of Fiji’s most consistent forwards.

Now, Ratuniyarawa has earned the chance to take the next step in his career, bringing experience, leadership and physicality to the Drua as they prepare for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.