Rugby

First non-eligible player joins Drua

November 25, 2021 12:04 pm

Baden Kerr [middle] [Source: Napolioni Ratu/Instagram]

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has announced its first non-eligible player.

32-year-old Baden Kerr is one of the three players revealed today by Drua Interim Chief Executive Brian Thorburn.

Kerr is a former Blues and current Counties Manuka fly-half.

Article continues after advertisement

The other players are former Fiji Bati player Selesitino Ravutaumada and Suva halfback Leone Nawai.

Thorburn says Kerr will provide injury cover and depth in the crucial playmaker role.

He says bringing in Kerr was a considered decision in light of a number of factors, and made in the best interest of the team.

The Drua CEO says with Aliverti Veitokani ruled out for 2022, Caleb Muntz on rehab from shoulder surgery and Teti Tela undertaking light training only as he recovers from an archilles tendon rupture, it was decided to sign Kerr.

According to Thorburn, the Drua needs a flyhalf like Kerr to mentor the remaining halves options who are new to Super Rugby and returning from extended stints in 7s.

Ravutaumada joins the squad after a stint in Rugby League with the Junior Kiwis and the New Zealand Warriors. He takes up one of the outside back positions in the squad.

The Drua will play the Blues on February 19 in its first match at Eden Park.