Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s head coach, Glen Jackson, has taken a keen interest in the Fijian Under-20 players participating in the Oceania Rugby U20 Challenge as the team shifts gears toward the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. Having attended Fiji’s recent 46-22 triumph over Tonga, Jackson expressed his admiration for the young players and their potential contributions to the Drua’s future.
Jackson noted the Drua’s strategy of regularly introducing new talent into the squad, with three to four player turnovers each season. The impressive performance of the Under-20 team points to a healthy pool of emerging talent within Fijian rugby. He specifically highlighted young standout, Phillip, who showcased his skills at the scrum-half position and has already played at the U20 level previously, emphasizing the Drua’s eagerness to cultivate homegrown players ready for professional competition.
“We take enormous pride in being a fully Fijian team, and our commitment is to nurture and develop our local talent,” stated Jackson. This commitment is evident as around 15 to 20 players from the Under-20 ranks are expected to take part in the Drua’s final match of the season against the Queensland Reds. The Drua’s focus on player development reflects a robust strategy to strengthen their squad while allowing youth to thrive in a competitive environment.
In addition to monitoring the Under-20 Challenge, Jackson reaffirmed the Drua’s approach to scout talent from various competitions, including the anticipated Skipper Cup. With a proactive recruitment strategy, the team aims to build a formidable roster for upcoming seasons by integrating young players while maintaining their unique Fijian identity.
With the U20 matches ongoing, Fiji is set to face Canada later today, a clash that will be broadcast live on FBC Sports. Jackson’s optimism for the Drua’s prospects is infectious, embodying a hope-filled vision for the future of Fijian rugby.
The Drua’s focus on fostering local talent while maintaining a competitive edge represents a promising path forward, revitalizing anticipation among fans for the progress of Fijian rugby at both local and international levels.
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