Glen Jackson has confirmed he will step down as head coach of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at the end of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, and warned that a significant reshuffle of playing personnel will follow as eight players leave the club.
Speaking at the Drua Awards Night, Jackson reflected on a four‑year stint that began when the Drua first entered Super Rugby and paid tribute to those departing: Elia Canakaivata, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Joseva Tamani, Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Simione Kuruvoli and Ilaisa Droasese. He said deciding to leave — a move that will also see his wife Fiona step away from the club — was “tough”, but framed the transition as part of a wider push to convert the strong memories the team has made into sustained championship success.
“I talk about memories a lot, but it really is about winning memories. So we’ve created memories, boys, but really, it’s time to start winning memories,” Jackson said, adding that the Drua must “keep this brand strong. This is the best brand in Super Rugby.” He expressed confidence the club can become a dominant force in the competition and “win multiple titles” in the years ahead.
The coach used the occasion to underline the role of player movement in the Drua’s development, urging that departures be seen as opportunities for younger Fijian players to step up. “As you can see, we’re losing a lot. I don’t think that’s an important thing around the Drua, because we always need the turnover of players,” he said. Jackson encouraged fans to celebrate those leaving, saying it was positive the men were pursuing overseas opportunities and thanking them for their contributions.
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the club as it balances retention and recruitment ahead of the off‑season. Earlier this year the Drua secured contract extensions for several core players, moves Jackson highlighted in prior comments as part of building a sustainable squad. The simultaneous exits of eight players — several of whom played prominent roles during Jackson’s tenure — will test the depth of the system the club has worked to establish since joining Super Rugby.
Jackson did not name a successor and the club has not announced immediate plans for a coaching appointment. His departure closes the chapter on a foundational period for the Drua, during which the team established itself in the Pacific’s top professional competition and raised the profile of Fijian rugby pathways. He said he was excited to see “the next wave of players come through the system and continue building the Drua legacy in the years ahead.”
For supporters and administrators, Jackson’s exit and the confirmed player departures mark a transitionary phase that will shape recruitment, retention and the development pipeline over the coming months. With the end of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season approaching, the club will move quickly into planning for 2027 while managing the loss of experienced figures and nurturing the next generation of blue‑jersey talent.