Former Olympic gold medallist and Flying Fijians star Leone Nakarawa is returning home to join the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The experienced forward will bring a wealth of international and professional experience to the Drua as the club prepares for its sixth Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Nakarawa, known for his exceptional ball skills and trademark offloads, has made 132 professional appearances for Glasgow Warriors, Racing 92, Toulon and Castres, along with 68 appearances for Fiji.
He said he was looking forward to returning home and playing for the Drua.
“Looking forward to be playing for the Drua and playing professional and staying Fiji.”
Raised in Matanagata, Vatukoula, the Kadavu native has become one of the most recognisable Flying Fijians of his generation.
He has represented Fiji at three Rugby World Cups and was named in the official Team of the Tournament following his standout performances at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Nakarawa played a key role in Glasgow Warriors’ historic 2015 PRO12 title win and was named Player of the Match in the Grand Final victory over Munster.
In 2018, he was named EPCR European Player of the Year after helping Racing 92 reach the European Champions Cup final.
His career also includes one of Fiji’s greatest sporting achievements. Nakarawa was part of the Ben Ryan-coached Fiji 7s team that won the country’s first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games.
Before establishing himself on the international and European stage, Nakarawa developed through Fiji’s domestic rugby system, including representing Tailevu.
His early career was also shaped by his time in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, where he played for Army Red and later Army Green. His performances helped earn selection for the Fiji Warriors and eventually the Flying Fijians.
Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby Baden Stephenson welcomed Nakarawa’s return, saying his experience and leadership would be valuable to the squad.
“Leone is a quality person, quality leader and big game player. We are excited to bring someone of his vast experience into the forward pack. It will be very special seeing Leone represent his family, village and country in the Super Rugby competition.”
