Simran Chand 
Fijian Drua winger Taniela “Motopai” Rakuro will be joining the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls for the 2025 Bunnings Warehouse NPC season.
The swift signing comes as a direct response to Kini Naholo’s season-ending knee injury, with Taranaki seeking a like-for-like impact player.
Head Coach Neil Barnes believes Rakuro is the right player for this.
“When you lose a player like Kini, you have to find someone who brings similar impact. Taniela’s a class finisher with all the traits we value in a Taranaki player. He’s physical, hard-working, and team-first. We’re thrilled to bring him in.”
The 25-year-old is expected to join the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls squad and begin preparations for their Ranfurly Shield defence once his work visa is approved.
The full 30-man Yarrows Taranaki Bulls squad for the season is anticipated to be announced in the coming week across Taranaki Rugby’s digital channels.
Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
