Negotiations are currently underway for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua to host all their pre-season matches domestically. Head coach Glen Jackson, in a recent interview, expressed plans for a different approach this season. “No away pre-season games, it’s great to be at home and enjoy the surroundings,” he stated.
Jackson mentioned that discussions are set to take place at the end of January about potentially playing against the RFC Los Angeles rugby team. Notably, former Flying Fijian flanker and Rio Olympic gold medallist Semi Kunatani is on the roster for that team, which competes in the American Major League Rugby.
Additionally, the Drua management is coordinating an internal trial match, allowing players to compete against one another. Jackson also conveyed that, while not yet confirmed, the Drua aims to play against teams from the Provincial Union that participate in the Skipper Cup. These teams include Nadroga, Naitasiri, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Suva, Tailevu, Macuata, Namosi, and Malolo. “It’ll be excellent to play the Skipper Cup teams in Nadi. We also want to spread the excitement across the country and secure some quality matches here,” he added.
Furthermore, the Drua is interested in participating in local sevens rugby tournaments, with confirmation already received for their entry into the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament early next year. This presents an opportunity for Drua players, who primarily specialize in the 15s format, to test their skills against some of the finest sevens players in Fiji.
In related news, the Drua’s pre-season camp in Kadavu is taking shape for December. Jackson and Head of Athletic Performance Naca Cawanibuka are currently evaluating potential camping sites. They performed a traditional i-sevusevu ceremony at Tavuki Village on Tuesday prior to visiting Vunisea. “The aim for the Kadavu pre-season camp is to foster team unity, both on the field and beyond,” Jackson remarked in a previous interview.
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