Fijian Drua

Welcome to the Drua Vuvale Alfred Cornish⛵️


DRUA FOUNDATION WELCOMES ALFRED CORNISH TO JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The Drua Foundation is pleased to announce the signing of promising young athlete Alfred Cornish into the Drua Junior Development Programme, continuing its commitment to identifying and nurturing Fiji’s next generation of sporting talent. Cornish joins a growing group of talented young players being developed through the Drua Foundation’s high-performance pathway, which provides emerging athletes with access to specialised coaching, strength and conditioning and development opportunities within the Fijian Drua environment.

Excited to take the next step in his rugby journey, Cornish said: “I’m lost for words right now. I feel really blessed to be part of the Drua Vuvale for the coming season and I’m looking forward to getting into it with the boys. This will be my home for the next two seasons, and I’m really excited.”

Cornish was also a standout for Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute during the 2026 Vodafone Super Deans Under-18 competition. Playing at flanker, he scored his side’s lone try in their quarterfinal clash against Suva Grammar School, breaking two tackles before sprinting more than 30 metres to score under the posts. Despite Ba Pro going down 23–7, the effort highlighted Cornish’s strength, speed and ability to make an impact with ball in hand on one of Fiji school rugby’s biggest stages.

The Natabua High School student’s opportunity to feature in the Vodafone Deans Under-18 competition came following a change to the competition’s Terms of Participation for the 2026 season. Under the revised policy, teams progressing to the national knockout stages were allowed to recruit up to six players from other schools within their respective zones to strengthen their squads. The new provision opened the door for Cornish to link up with Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute for their national campaign, where he went on to make his mark during the knockout stages.

The young athlete already brings an impressive sporting background to the programme, having represented Fiji in swimming at the 2024 Oceania Aquatics Championships on the Gold Coast, Australia, competing alongside some of the country’s leading young swimmers. Also representing Natabua High School, Cornish finished second in the 17-year-old boys’ 50-metre freestyle at the 2025 National Schools Swimming Championships, clocking an impressive 24.79 seconds.

Fijian Drua Director of Development and Pathways Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani said: “Alfred is someone I’ve been keeping an eye on for the past 12 months. He’s a talented young player with plenty of potential to go a long way in the game. What stood out to me most, though, was his attitude his willingness to learn, ask questions, and not be afraid to have a go. That was a big tick for me. I’m really looking forward to working with Alfred and helping him continue to develop both on and off the field. Exciting times ahead!”

Today on World Physiotherapy Day, we honour the dedicated physiotherapists who keep our players performing at their best and empower our communities to live healthier, active lives.

​This year’s theme, Physiotherapy and Physical Activity: Moving Hearts, Restoring Lives, highlights the powerful role movement plays in protecting our heart health and supporting recovery.

​Whether on the pitch, in the village, at home or at work: move more, start where you are and support those around you. Every step towards a healthier heart counts.

​Happy World Physiotherapy Day! 💙

A special shoutout to our Physio Team led by
William Koong, Jennifer Khalik, Sakiusa Naika, Joshua Mataitoga and Seini Rogoiruwai.

Interviews out soon.

Term 3 lets go!! We enjoyed all the visits during the school holidays, here are a few boys from Vulinitu who took time out from their school holidays last week to learn more about the Club and high performance rugby. If your school is planning visits in Term 3, please e-mail [email protected] for requests. All the best teachers and students (and parents/guardians).

🫶🏿Spotted all the way in Canada by Zak (Big boss of FLiCK Hygiene). Have you seen/spotted Drua logo in your travels? Leave a comment/image of where you've seen/spotted Drua around the world ⛵️ 🌎

For the ones who introduced us to the game we love, cheered the loudest (plus the brutal post-game feedback from Day 1 till now😂], always showed up and the heavenly roster watching over us from above.

Today, we celebrate every dad and father figure and honour the ones whose legacy still drives us forward ❤️

💪🏾All the best Fiji Rugby Flying Fijians on their way to Japan for the Pacific Nations Cup. 23 of your current and future Drua are part of the travelling squad.

Next match👇🏿Semi-Finals
Fiji vs Canada, 7pm, September 12

All the best in Higashiosaka City, gents.