Ex-France international signs with Fijian Drua ahead of 2026 Super Rugby season

Vakatawa’s return to professional rugby comes after a challenging period. He was forced to retire from Top 14 side Racing 92 in September 2022 due to a heart condition, before returning to play a season with Bristol Bears in the Premiership. He later spent time back in Fiji, training with the Drua and playing for Naitasiri in the Skipper Cup, where he helped guide the side to the grand final in 2025.

The Nadi-based franchise confirmed Vakatawa’s signing on Friday ahead of their opening pre-season fixture against the Chiefs in Tauranga, with the 33-year-old included in the matchday squad alongside former Wallabies halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa.

Vakatawa, a Naitasiri native, brings a wealth of international and club experience to the Drua midfield. He won 32 Test caps for France and was also a regular on the World Rugby Sevens Series, starring for Les Bleus on the global circuit. His career highlight came in 2020 when he was named Oscar Europe Player of the Year by Midi Olympique, one of the most prestigious individual honours in European rugby.

Fijian Drua general manager commercial Shane Hussein said the club was thrilled to welcome the powerful centre into the squad. "The Club is delighted to have Virimi join us,” he said. “He is hungry to make a positive contribution to the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua both on and off the field using his wealth of experience and exceptional skill set.”

Across his club career, Vakatawa made 52 appearances for Racing 92, scoring 15 tries, and featured 18 times for Bristol Bears with four tries to his name. His move to the Drua marks the next chapter in a career that has spanned the French Top 14, the English Premiership and the World Sevens Series.

Speaking after his signing was confirmed, Vakatawa said he was motivated by the chance to give back to the next generation of Fijian players. “I’m so thankful that, with my experience, I can help these young men, and share with them my experience from France and my playing career,” he said.

“I know the future of Fiji rugby is in this squad, and I’ve watched them, I’ve trained with them, and I know that they will go further in their career.”

Vakatawa becomes the Drua’s seventh signing for the 2026 season after spending the 2025 off-season training with the Super Rugby Pacific side during an extended stay in Fiji. His arrival adds much-needed experience following the departure of several Drua stars to France’s Top 14 and Japan. The Drua finished 10th out of 11 teams last season, with their best results coming in 2023 and 2024 when they reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions the Crusaders and Blues respectively.

The Drua will continue their pre-season preparations with a home fixture against a Fiji Skipper Selection next weekend, following Friday’s clash with the Chiefs at Blake Park in Mount Maunganui.