Former Flying Fijians player Nemani Nadolo emphasized that the Fijian Drua’s initial success in Super Rugby Pacific has faded and it’s now time to focus on achieving finals qualifications. Speaking at the 2025 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens in Sigatoka, Nadolo expressed confidence that the Drua has the potential to improve this year.

“The honeymoon period is over,” Nadolo noted, reflecting on the team’s need for a more competitive edge. He acknowledged the hard work put in by the players under head coach Glen Jackson, who has been refining the team’s capabilities.

Nadolo believes that for the Drua to succeed, they must address key issues. “When the Drua is on fire, they are unstoppable. It’s about minimizing mistakes, being disciplined, and reducing penalties,” he explained. Should they manage these factors, he predicts they could become a formidable opponent both at home and away.

In addition to the men’s team, Nadolo shared similar concerns about the Fijian Drua women’s team, who faced challenges last season and are keen to redeem themselves. “They want to turn things around and aim for victories on home soil and push for finals,” he added.

The excitement for the Drua teams’ participation in the Coral Coast Sevens is palpable. Nadolo sees this as an excellent pre-season opportunity for the players, many of whom have a background in sevens rugby. “It’s a good test for them to showcase their skills in front of their crowd,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his playing days, Nadolo highlighted that the gap between Super Rugby teams and the Fijian Drua has significantly narrowed, suggesting a promising future for Fijian rugby as they strive for success in the competitive landscape.

Overall, Nadolo’s insights provide a hopeful outlook on the evolving nature of Fijian rugby, signaling that with the right focus and discipline, both the men’s and women’s Drua teams can achieve notable success in the seasons ahead. As they refine their strategies and commit to improvement, fans can look forward to an exciting year of rugby.