Glen Jackson, head coach of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, commended the players for their impressive performances at the Sun Bell Tuna Drua 10s tournament held at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. He emphasized the commitment and skill exhibited by both the Drua teams and local competitors, which he described as a true reflection of Fiji’s rugby prowess.

“It was an incredible day. The Skipper Cup teams had little notice, yet they participated and played exceptionally well,” Jackson noted. The tournament culminated in an exciting final where the Fijian Drua Blues triumphed over Fijian Drua Green with a score of 14-5.

Jackson particularly acknowledged Kalioni Ratunabuabua from Nadi, who has been training with the Drua after being discovered during the Mataso 7s. “He was phenomenal. Kalioni played every minute for us and has been outstanding since we recognized his talents,” he stated.

Young Ba player Joweli Wailevu, who unfortunately sustained a broken arm during the tournament while playing for Drua Green, also received praise from Jackson. “It’s unfortunate for Joweli, but he’s a talented player, and we remain hopeful for his speedy recovery,” he added.

The coach underscored the importance of connecting the Drua with local teams, noting that the tournament provided an excellent platform to merge professional rugby with grassroots talent. “Competing against teams from the West and integrating local players in the Drua is fantastic. The tournament was a resounding success with strong participation,” Jackson said.

He also highlighted the significance of these events in scouting for new talent. “We are constantly in search of young, exciting players, and tournaments like this showcase the remarkable talent that Fiji has,” he remarked.

As the 2024 preseason approaches its conclusion, Jackson confirmed that the Drua team would begin their training camp in Kadavu next Monday. He acknowledged the physical challenges that lay ahead for the players but emphasized the necessity of proper preparation. “Though the boat ride will be taxing, the boys have earned some time to rest. It’s an excellent way to wrap up the preseason and look forward to 2025,” he concluded.

Overall, the tournament not only showcased the spirit of rugby in Fiji but also highlighted the nurturing of local talent, promising a bright future for the sport in the region.

Summary: Glen Jackson, head coach of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, praised players for their performances at the Drua 10s tournament, emphasizing the blend of local and professional talent. The tournament featured competitive matches, with the Drua Blues winning the final. Jackson highlighted the scouting opportunities it provided and expressed hope for injured player Joweli Wailevu’s recovery. The Drua team will be heading to Kadavu for their next training camp as they prepare for the 2024 season and beyond.