Issak Fines-Leleiwasa joins Drua
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The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has bolstered its halfback stocks for the upcoming season with the signing of former Wallaby Issak Fines-Leleiwasa from the Western Force.
Fines-Leleiwasa has declared his intentions to play for Fiji, with his three- year international stand-down period concluding in October 2026. Fines-Leleiwasa is eligible for Fiji through his Fijian-born father and has roots in Vatani, Kaba in Tailevu.
The 29-year-old will bring valuable experience to the Fijian Drua, having played 56 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific matches – 45 for the Western Force and 11 for the ACT Brumbies. He is known for his explosive speed, accuracy and ability to marshal the forwards. In fact, Fines-Leleiwasa featured for the Western Force in all their five encounters against the Fijian Drua.
Fines-Leleiwasa said he was proud of his Fijian roots and looked forward to joining the Fijian Drua and eventually the Flying Fijians:
“A new chapter for me and my family, being a part of the Drua family will be special not only with the club but also the Fans, I can’t wait for this next challenge.”
Fines-Leleiwasa made his Wallabies debut against France in 2023. He has played 6 Tests, with two of them at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, including vs the Flying Fijians.
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson said:
“We’re very excited to welcome Issak to the Drua Vuvale. Issak brings a wealth of experience in Super Rugby Pacific and Test Rugby, playing for Australia. He will also be eligible to play for Fiji soon. Issak is a good leader and an outstanding rugby player. He will help to lead our team with Frank, Simi and as well as young Philip, it’s a position that is important in any team and we are lucky to have the depth with international quality players.”
