Negotiations are currently underway for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua to host all their pre-season matches locally. Drua head coach Glen Jackson suggested that this season will see a different approach, prioritizing a home-focused schedule. “No away (pre-season) games, good to be home and enjoy the environment,” he stated.
Jackson also mentioned that discussions to play against the RFC Los Angeles rugby team are expected to materialize by the end of January. The team features former Flying Fijian flanker and Rio Olympic Games gold medallist Semi Kunatani, who competes in the American Major League Rugby.
Additionally, the Drua management is busy organizing an internal trial match among Drua players. Jackson expressed hopes for the Drua to also compete against Provincial Union teams from the Skipper Cup competition, including Nadroga, Naitasiri, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Suva, Tailevu, Macuata, Namosi, and Malolo. “It’ll be good to play the Skipper Cup teams in Nadi. Also, spread the love around the country and get some good games here,” he said.
Moreover, the Drua are eyeing participation in local sevens tournaments, with confirmed plans to compete in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament early next year. This event will allow Drua players, who primarily play 15s rugby, to test their skills against some of the top sevens players in Fiji.
In separate news, the Drua’s pre-season camp in Kadavu scheduled for December is taking shape. Jackson and Head of Athletic Performance Naca Cawanibuka are currently in Kadavu scouting potential camping locations. Earlier this week, they presented their i-sevusevu at Tavuki Village before proceeding to Vunisea. “The focus (for the Kadavu pre-season camp) is bringing the team together not only on the field but off the field as well,” Jackson explained in a prior interview.
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