Negotiations are currently underway for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua to host all of their pre-season games locally. Drua head coach Glen Jackson mentioned in a recent interview that the team aims to approach this season differently.
“We’re not looking to play any away pre-season games; it’s great to be at home and enjoy our surroundings,” he stated. Jackson also hinted that discussions to have the RFC Los Angeles rugby team play in Fiji may occur toward the end of January. The club is part of the American Major League Rugby and features former Flying Fijians flanker and Rio Olympic gold medallist Semi Kunatani.
Additionally, Drua management is exploring the possibility of having an internal trial match among players. Jackson expressed hope that the Drua would compete against the Provincial Union teams participating in the Skipper Cup, which includes teams like Nadroga, Naitasiri, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Suva, Tailevu, Macuata, Namosi, and Malolo.
“It would be fantastic to have matches against Skipper Cup teams in Nadi. We want to share the game around the country and provide fans with exciting matches,” he added. The Drua are also considering participation in local sevens rugby tournaments, having already confirmed their spot in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament set for early next year. This will give Drua players the opportunity to showcase their skills in a different format and compete against some of the country’s top sevens players.
On another note, the Drua’s pre-season camp in Kadavu, scheduled for December, is taking shape. Jackson and Head of Athletic Performance Naca Cawanibuka are currently exploring potential camp locations. After presenting their i-sevusevu at Tavuki Village, they moved on to Vunisea.
“The emphasis for the Kadavu pre-season camp is fostering team unity both on and off the field,” Jackson remarked in a prior discussion.
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