Manasa Mataele joins the Fijian Drua
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Explosive winger and former Flying Fijian Manasa Mataele will return home for his 10th season in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season in 2026, this time in Fijian Drua colours.
Originally from Vanuavatu, Lau with maternal links to Yasawa-i-Rara, Mataele grew up in Raiwai, Suva attending Marist Brothers High School. He has strong roots in Fijian rugby, playing for Marist Brothers in the Deans and being a part of the Fiji U18 team in 2015.
The 28-year-old has made 58 Super Rugby Pacific appearances (32 for the Crusaders, 24 with the Western Force and 2 with the Chiefs). He is known for both scoring tries and setting them up, normally leading match statistics for line breaks. In 2022, Mataele had the second highest statistics in the entire competition for clean breaks and metres gained. He will bring this invaluable experience to a young Fijian Drua backline for the 2026 season.
Mataele is delighted to return home and making the Drua Nation happy in 2026: “I’m feeling excited and really looking forward to be representing the Drua next season.” Manasa Mataele | Swire Shipping Fijian Drua New Signing
Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby, Baden Stephenson said, “Manasa is a quality player who has been in good programs and knows what success looks like. His experience will be invaluable as will his ability to find the tryline and be a natural communicator in the back three positions.” Baden Stephenson | Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby
Mataele made his debut for Flying Fijians in 2021 and has made four appearances since. He also made 51 New Zealand provincial appearances- 31 for the Canterbury and 20 for the Taranaki.
