Tevita Veicavuaki Ikanivere, born on November 6, 1999, is a Fijian rugby union player who currently plays as a hooker for the Drua team. He has established himself as a key player in his preferred position.
Ikanivere was selected to be part of the Fijian Drua squad for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, showcasing his talent at the professional level. Prior to this, he had already represented the Drua in the 2019 National Rugby Championship.
He has also had the opportunity to represent Fiji at the international level. Ikanivere made his debut for the Flying Fijians in a match against Georgia in 2020, highlighting his progression and recognition as a national player.
Coming through the development pathway in Fiji's High Performance Unit (HPU) system, Ikanivere's skills were identified while he was captain of his school's Queen Victoria School U18 rugby team.
He was subsequently recruited into the Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Unit, progressing through various age-grade teams such as Fiji U18, Fiji U20, Fiji Warriors, and Fijian Latui. His journey led him to become a fully-fledged professional player with the Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Known as "Tex" among his teammates, which is a shortened version of his first name, Ikanivere has gained popularity among Fijian fans for his powerful running and distinctive appearance, characterized by his ginger hair and youthful face.
In terms of his playing record, Ikanivere earned his first cap for the Flying Fijians in 2020. He has also represented the Drua in the Australia National Rugby Championship, accumulating seven caps in the 2019 season. Additionally, he has made appearances for the Fiji Under 20 team, Fiji Warriors, and Fiji's extended squad for the Rugby World Cup.
Away from rugby, Ikanivere leads a dual life as an active farmer. He resides on a farm and engages in cultivating vegetables, raising chickens, and managing a piggery alongside his rugby career.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Ikanivere has been named in the training squad for Fiji.
KG(21/06/2023)
Career
Fijian Drua Hooker |
2019 - present | |
Fiji Hooker |
2019 - present | |
Fiji U20's Hooker |
2019 - 2019 | |
Barbarians Hooker |
2020 - 2023 |