Negotiations are currently underway for Swire Shipping Fijian Drua to host all of their pre-season matches domestically. Head coach Glen Jackson expressed in a recent interview that the team plans to approach this pre-season differently, stating, “No away (pre-season) games, good to be home and enjoy the environment.”
Jackson also mentioned that discussions to potentially match up against the RFC Los Angeles rugby team are expected to take place towards the end of January. Notably, while speaking about the Los Angeles club, he pointed out that former Flying Fijian flanker and Rio Olympics gold medalist Semi Kunatani is a member of that team competing in the American Major League Rugby.
Additionally, the Drua management is working on scheduling an internal trial match among the Drua players. Jackson hinted that, although unconfirmed, there is hope for the Drua to face the Provincial Union teams participating in the Skipper Cup competition, which includes clubs like Nadroga, Naitasiri, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Suva, Tailevu, Macuata, Namosi, and Malolo. “It’ll be good to play the Skipper Cup teams in Nadi. Also, spread the love around the country and get some good games here,” he noted.
Moreover, the Drua are planning to participate in local sevens rugby tournaments, having already confirmed their entry into the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament early next year. This event provides Drua players, who specialize in 15s rugby, an opportunity to compete against some of the top sevens talents within the nation.
In related news, the Drua’s pre-season camp in Kadavu is beginning to take shape. Jackson and Head of Athletic Performance Naca Cawanibuka are currently in Kadavu to evaluate potential camping sites. They presented their i-sevusevu at Tavuki Village on Tuesday before moving on to Vunisea. Jackson emphasized the camp’s goal of fostering team cohesion, stating, “The focus (for Kadavu pre-season camp) is bringing the team together not only on the field but off the field as well.”