The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is poised to embark on a new season of competition, with head coach Glen Jackson leading the team as they prepare for the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition. A crucial pre-season trial match against the Chiefs is scheduled for tomorrow at Blake Park in Mt Maunganui, New Zealand, providing fans with their first look at the team’s roster and strategies for the upcoming season.
The Drua arrived in New Zealand with high spirits after their flight on Monday, eager to showcase their capabilities and break their away-game losing streak. This match offers a unique opportunity for new signings, including Temo Mayanavanua, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Manasa Mataele, Angelo Smith, Joji Nasova, and Iosefo Namoce, to exhibit their talents on a prominent stage.
While preparing for the match, the Fijian Drua took the time to engage with the local community and demonstrated solidarity after a recent tragic landslide in the area that claimed six lives. The team and the Chiefs gathered on the beach to honor the victims, singing the iTaukei hymn Au rai vei kemuni in a touching tribute.
During a Media Content Day earlier this month, Jackson emphasized the heightened competition level within the Super Rugby Pacific, now entering its 30th season. He acknowledged the challenge of competing against teams with a rich history, stating that the Drua must continuously learn and evolve as a club and an organization to succeed in this demanding environment.
As the rugby community looks forward to the exciting pre-season fixtures across the region, the Fijian Drua’s journey begins with optimism. They are set to open their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season against Moana Pasifika on February 14 at Churchill Park in Lautoka. This season holds the promise of growth and achievement for the team as they aim to leave a mark in the highly competitive league.
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