Swire Shipping Fijian Drua captain Frank Lomani has publicly thanked supporters who turned out in the rain to back the team despite the side’s loss to the Reds, calling the crowd’s commitment “unbelievable” even as he acknowledged a disappointing performance on the field. Lomani said the players felt the fans’ backing and wanted to make clear their appreciation after a match that fell short of expectations.
“We can’t thank our fans enough for showing up today. It wasn’t the result or the show we wanted them to be or expected,” Lomani said, adding that the turnout in wet conditions did not go unnoticed by the squad. “We just want to thank them for showing up, especially in the rain.” His remarks were offered as the latest public response from the club’s leaders after a string of results that have left the Drua searching for momentum early in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
Lomani’s comments follow similar messages from teammates and staff in recent weeks. Elia Canakaivata earlier pledged to repay loyal fans after the Drua’s season-opening defeat to Moana Pasifika in Lautoka, and head coach Glen Jackson has flagged tight scheduling — including a six-day turnaround ahead of a Sydney fixture — as a factor in the team’s recent struggles. The captain’s expression of gratitude is therefore both an acknowledgment of supporters’ ongoing faith and an attempt to steady morale within the playing group.
The Drua insist they will regroup quickly as they move into a run of away fixtures. Lomani said the squad’s focus is shifting back to preparations on the road, with players and coaches intent on addressing the issues that produced the underwhelming display against the Reds. While he did not outline specific tactical changes, his message emphasised accountability and a desire to repay the travelling and local fans with improved performances.
Officials and players have repeatedly pointed to the importance of maintaining a close relationship with the fanbase as a foundation for the club’s longer-term progress in Super Rugby Pacific. That relationship was tested but also reinforced at the Reds match, where fans braved poor weather to support the team — a show of loyalty Lomani highlighted as especially significant given recent setbacks.
As the Drua head into their next fixtures away from home, the leadership group will be tasked with converting the vocal backing they continue to receive into resilience and sharper displays on the field. For now, Lomani’s message is clear: the squad sees the support, is grateful for it, and is determined to respond on the scoreboard in the coming weeks.
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