Source: Radio New Zealand
NZ sevens wing Joeli Vidiri with his gold medal. Kuala Lumpar Commonwealth Games 1998. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
The Blues and Fijian Drua will in future play for the Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy whenever they meet in Super Rugby.
The two clubs made the announcement with the trophy up for grabs for the first time this Saturday night at Eden Park.
Vidiri, a powerful winger, was born in Fiji in 1973 but played his rugby in New Zealand.
Joeli Vidiri with the Super 12 trophy, 1997. Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz
He debuted for Counties Manukau in 1994 and the Blues in their inaugural Super Rugby season in 1996.
Vidiri scored 43 tries in 61 appearances for the Blues and was a part of an exciting backline that also included Jonah Lomu, Eroni Clarke and Carlos Spencer.
He represented Fiji before going on to become an All Black in the late 1990s.
Vidiri’s career was cut short after he was diagnosed with a serious kidney illness in 2001. He died in 2022.
The trophy will be contested every time the Blues and Fijian Drua meet.
A Blues statement said: ‘Vidiri, who is remembered for his power, humility, and infectious joy, made a permanent mark during his time in Auckland while remaining deeply connected to his Fijian roots. The new trophy recognises his unique role in bridging two proud rugby nations.”
The trophy incorporates elements that pay tribute to both regions.
As part of the inaugural presentation, the Vidiri family will play a central role in match-day proceedings, with a special on-field moment planned to award the trophy.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
