Garlen Peace says the strong bonds forming inside the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Development squad have made his abbreviated start with the team a rewarding experience as they prepare for their final outing this weekend. Peace, who joined the development group later than most, told reporters he was quickly embraced by teammates and staff, a welcome that helped him settle into the Drua environment and its culture.
“Coming in late, the boys were very welcoming. The staff also took me on board and immersed me into the culture, and I’m just loving every step of it,” Peace said, highlighting the camaraderie that has underpinned the side’s preparations. The winger pointed to the positive dressing-room atmosphere as a key reason relationships between players have strengthened during their time together.
Peace also stressed the value of proximity to the main Drua squad, which has provided a learning environment for less-experienced players. He said his objective while with the development team has been to absorb as much knowledge as possible from the seasoned professionals in the senior group, with an eye on improving his own game and bringing those lessons back to his home club.
The Development side’s final match will see them take on Ba Rugby at 12:30pm at 4R Govind Park in Ba. It is scheduled as part of a doubleheader on the same ground, with the Fijian Drua’s Super Rugby match against the ACT Brumbies set to kick off at 3:35pm. Fans who cannot attend in person will be able to watch the Drua vs Brumbies fixture live on FBC Sports.
Coaching staff have used the development program as a bridge between club and professional rugby in Fiji, aiming to fast-track promising talent while nurturing team culture and technical skills. For players like Peace, who joined the development environment late in the season, the final outing represents both a test and a showcase before returning to their respective clubs.
The club has emphasised that the Development side’s matches offer more than match practice; they are an avenue for mentorship and exposure to professional standards. Peace’s comments underline that dynamic — a newcomer finding quick acceptance and learning opportunities from the wider Drua setup — and frame the Ba fixture as a meaningful closing chapter for this iteration of the development squad.
With relationships strengthened and lessons absorbed, Peace and his teammates will look to finish their campaign on a high before dispersing back to the domestic club scene. The doubleheader in Ba offers supporters a full day of rugby and a chance to see emerging talent alongside the Drua’s senior stars.
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