Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson is setting strong expectations for Meli Derenalagi, aiming for him to become the top blindside flanker in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition. In a recent statement to SUNsports, Jackson explained the rationale behind Derenalagi’s removal from his captaincy, saying that this change will allow him to focus entirely on enhancing his performance on the field.
Coach Jackson has named Tevita Ikanivere as hooker and veteran halfback Frank Lomani as the Drua’s co-captains for the upcoming 2025 season. He expressed confidence in the leadership abilities of Ikanivere and Lomani, praising their professionalism both on and off the field. This marks an exciting first for the club, as they will be implementing co-captains, and Jackson is optimistic about the potential benefits of this new arrangement.
The Drua’s recent squad announcement also included some notable omissions, such as centre Apisalome Vota, Michael Naitokani, and prop Jone Koroiduadua, who has signed with an American club in the Major League Rugby competition.
This shift in team leadership and focus highlights a strategic move towards maximizing player potential and fostering a collaborative environment among the team.
It’s encouraging to see the Drua making proactive changes as they prepare for the upcoming season. By allowing players like Derenalagi to concentrate on their specific game roles, while also introducing innovative leadership structures, the team is poised for growth and success in the competitive landscape of rugby.
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