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Fijian Drua sack test-capped utility back for disciplinary reasons
By Sam Smith
The Fijian Drua have sacked test-capped utility back Serupepeli Vularika for disciplinary reasons.
The 31-year-old, who has played 12 tests for Fiji since 2016, will now return home from Australia, where the Drua are based for the Super Rugby Pacific season, where he will discuss his future with the Fiji Rugby Union.
While the reasoning behind Vularika's dismissal remains unexplained, Drua chief executive Brian Thorburn condemned his actions.
"The foundation of a successful professional team are the values that underpin it. We set very high standards for our players, management and staff in this regard," Thorburn said.
"All of us at the Drua are expected to live up to our values and adhere to these standards. We are disappointed to have to make this decision today regarding Seru, but it is in the best interest of our club."
Vularika, who is primarily a halfback but can also play at first-five and in the midfield, was yet to feature for the Drua in their inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Halfbacks Simione Kuruvoli and Peni Matawalu have both started in two matches apiece of the four fixtures played thus far this year, while new recruit Frank Lomani made his debut off the bench against the Reds last Saturday.
The Drua currently sit in ninth place on the Super Rugby Pacific table, two points adrift from a play-offs berth with one win from four matches to their name.
They are scheduled to host the eighth-placed Western Force at Leichardt Oval in Sydney on Saturday.
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Latest Comments
Which people exactly?
Go to commentsWas anything but fine margins, the scoreline was flattering for that game. They were beat in every margin but most emphatically be effort of Argentina. They were slow and likely arrogant in their prep following the England series. You can see the effect on the selection and poor messaging all the playmakers started receiving from the coaching setup there after.
Otherwise though there was also a lot of really good stuff that can too easily be labelled as lucky by people intent on making a point. The team was far from certain and clinical though and the best that can be said of their losses was that they were largely due to some atrocious decisions with cards twice against SA and the neckroll last weekend (you can't take away the 14 point try, that is typical French rugby and to be expected).
This team is good enough to be able to cope with those sorts of difficulties if they could just execute a bit better (but only as well as they have traditionally mind you). Sound selections aside. Some good positivity in this article but we know it's not going to be easy as the ABs have just been trying to return to their DNA after Fosters control but countries like Aussie have a much bigger task in that respect and SA is even trying to change their DNA (again). Those two opponents (along with France obviously) are going to provide some tough competition in seeing who can lead into the 2027 RWC with the best prospects and form behind them.
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