The Fiji Water Flying Fijians recently endured a tough loss against Scotland, with a final score of 17-57. Despite this setback, Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans expresses a sense of optimism regarding the future of Fijian rugby. With a squad primarily featuring local players from the Fijian Drua, this match was a crucial opportunity to evaluate the team’s depth, especially given that several key European-based players were unavailable due to window release restrictions.
Evans commended the team’s resilience, noting that even in the absence of 10 European-based players and five Drua players sidelined by injuries, the squad managed to deliver a competitive performance. “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,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Evans emphasized that the growth of the Drua reflects the competitive nature of serious international teams. “At last, we’ve got some depth. This is how serious international teams operate,” he added.
Looking to the future, Evans indicated that the immediate focus is on rehabilitating injured players before embarking on preseason preparations. “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,” he stated.
A significant part of this developmental process is the Fijian Drua’s 7s program, which allows coaches to dedicate time to nurturing young talent and helping injured players recover. “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,” Evans commented.
He concluded by expressing enthusiasm for the Flying Fijians’ return in December, emphasizing the importance of establishing a solid foundation for the future. With effective leadership, an expanding pool of talent, and a strategic focus on development, the Fijian Drua is well-positioned to continue its growth and pursue greater achievements in the seasons ahead.
This reaffirmation of commitment to player development and future success provides hope for fans and stakeholders alike, signaling that Fijian rugby remains on a positive trajectory, poised for greater accomplishments.
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