Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson is seeking a stronger performance from his players as the team reflects on a difficult end to their 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. The Drua concluded the season with a heavy 52-7 defeat to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane, marking one of their most significant losses.
Jackson acknowledged that while the Drua have demonstrated solid performances at home, their away games have presented a different challenge, with the squad finishing the season with a disheartening record on the road. “We’ve been good at home, but we tend to struggle away from it,” he noted, urging his players to step up in future matches.
The coach emphasized that the Drua have access to excellent facilities and sponsors, and the responsibility now lies with the players to show resilience and deliver stronger results. Despite the departure of captain Tevita Ikanivere and some key players, including Olympic gold medallist Iosefo Masi, Jackson remains optimistic about the Drua’s potential for improvement in the upcoming season.
Previously, Jackson has expressed frustration over the challenges the team faced during their campaign, recognizing their struggle with consistency and execution. In earlier matches, the Drua had shown flashes of talent, notably pulling off a win against the Reds at home earlier in the season and putting up tough fights against stronger teams like the Hurricanes and Waratahs.
Looking ahead to next season, Jackson believes the team can harness their experiences and community support to create a more competitive force in Super Rugby. Reds coach Les Kiss has also cited the potential for growth within the Drua, highlighting their ability to be a formidable opponent under Jackson’s leadership.
With a focus on learning from their past setbacks, there is a palpable sense of hope within the Drua camp to reclaim their competitive edge and restore pride as they build towards a more successful future. The supportive fanbase plays a crucial role in this journey, as both players and coaches strive to re-engage with their community and deliver memorable performances in the seasons to come.
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