The Fiji Water Flying Fijians recently endured a tough defeat against Scotland, ending the match with a score of 17-57. Despite this setback, Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans remains optimistic about the future of Fijian rugby. The match was viewed as an essential evaluation of the squad’s depth, particularly as several key players based in Europe were unavailable due to release window restrictions.
Evans commended the overall strength and resilience of the team, noting that even in the absence of ten European-based players and five Drua players sidelined by injuries, the squad still showed competitive spirit. He stated, “It’s great for Fiji because even with those key Drua players unavailable such as Masi, Selestino, Mesake Doge, and Peni Ravai, our squad is still looking strong.”
Furthermore, Evans highlighted how the progression of the Drua reflects the qualities of serious international teams. He emphasized the importance of depth within the squad, saying, “At last, we’ve got some depth. This is how serious international teams operate.”
Looking to the future, Evans shared that the immediate goal is rehabilitating injured players before entering preseason training. He noted, “We’re not thinking too much about the preseason just yet. We’ve got a lot of injured players who need to get back to full fitness before we start any serious team activities. Right now, it’s all about developing the younger guys.”
A significant aspect of this development involves the Fijian Drua’s 7s program, which offers coaches ample opportunity to cultivate young talent while helping injured players recover. Evans remarked, “The 7s program is vital for us right now. It’s the time of year when our top coaches can spend quality time with the development players and those coming back from injury.”
In conclusion, Evans expressed excitement about the return of the Flying Fijians in December and underscored the importance of building a solid foundation for future success. With strong leadership, increasing talent depth, and a strategic developmental approach, the Fijian Drua is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the seasons ahead.
Overall, while the recent loss was disappointing, it’s clear that Fijian rugby is on a positive trajectory with robust strategies and a focus on nurturing future talent.
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