Discussions are currently underway for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua to host all their pre-season games locally. Head coach Glen Jackson expressed a desire to adopt a different approach this season, saying, “No away (pre-season) games, good to be home and enjoy the environment.”
Jackson also mentioned that negotiations to bring the RFC Los Angeles rugby team to Fiji are expected to occur at the end of January. Notably, former Flying Fijian flanker and Olympic gold medallist Semi Kunatani plays for the club in the American Major League Rugby competition.
In addition, the Drua management is planning to organize an internal trial match where the players will compete against each other. Jackson revealed that while it’s not yet confirmed, the Drua aims to play against teams from the Provincial Union involved in the Skipper Cup, which includes Nadroga, Naitasiri, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Suva, Tailevu, Macuata, Namosi, and Malolo. He emphasized the benefit of engaging with these Skipper Cup teams, particularly in Nadi, to enhance local rugby.
The Drua also intends to participate in local sevens tournaments, having confirmed their involvement in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament early next year. This event will offer the Drua players a valuable opportunity to test their skills in sevens rugby against some of the nation’s top sevens competitors.
In terms of preparations, the Drua’s pre-season camp in Kadavu for December is taking form. Jackson, accompanied by Head of Athletic Performance Naca Cawanibuka, is currently in Kadavu assessing potential camping sites. They performed a traditional i-sevusevu ceremony in Tavuki Village before moving to Vunisea. Jackson reiterated that the aim of the Kadavu pre-season camp is to foster team unity both on and off the field.