Ongoing negotiations aim to secure a location for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua to host all their pre-season games locally. Head coach Glen Jackson recently suggested that the team is considering a different approach this season. He emphasized the benefits of being at home, stating, “No away (pre-season) games, good to be home and enjoy the environment.”
Jackson indicated that discussions are underway to potentially bring the RFC Los Angeles rugby team to play in Fiji, with talks expected to take place towards the end of January. Notably, former Flying Fijian flanker and Rio Olympic gold medalist Semi Kunatani plays for the Los Angeles team in the American Major League Rugby competition.
Additionally, the Drua management is in the process of organizing an internal trial match for players to compete against each other. Jackson also mentioned that while details are not yet finalized, the Drua hopes to face the Provincial Union teams that participate in the Skipper Cup, including Nadroga, Naitasiri, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Suva, Tailevu, Macuata, Namosi, and Malolo.
He expressed the benefits of engaging with these teams, noting, “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.” The Drua are also exploring participation in local sevens tournaments, with confirmation of their entry into the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament early next year. This event will allow Drua players, primarily skilled in 15s rugby, to challenge themselves against some of the country’s top sevens talent.
In related news, the Drua’s pre-season camp in Kadavu is also taking shape, with Jackson and Head of Athletic Performance Naca Cawanibuka visiting potential camping sites. They recently completed a traditional i-sevusevu ceremony at Tavuki Village before heading over to Vunisea. Jackson highlighted that the primary goal of the camp is to foster unity among the team, both on and off the field.
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