Former Flying Fijians winger Nemani Nadolo has officially commenced his role as the Development Coach for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, a transition that took place last week. Expressing his excitement about this new opportunity, Nadolo stated, “It’s been good, started last week before the boys came in. It’s just been a privilege to be back in this environment.” He acknowledged the lessons learned from retiring and entering the workforce, emphasizing the value of his rugby playing days.
Nadolo, who aims to nurture the next generation of rugby players, is committed to fostering teamwork and sacrifice among his players. He asserted that creating future Drua and Flying Fijians will require a collective effort, stating, “It’s not only going to take a team effort…that can hopefully create the next bunch of Drua and Flying Fijians.”
During this pre-season, Nadolo plans to familiarize himself with the players and help them understand the requirements of professional rugby. “It’s going to be a heavy block, so for me it’s just in the next seven weeks… just trying to get to know the players, particularly my development players,” he remarked. His objective is to mentor them on the commitment needed to succeed at this level, making clear that hard work will yield positive results for both the team and his coaching journey.
Additionally, Nadolo has applauded the progress of the Drua development program, noting that four players have been promoted to the professional squad for the 2026 season. This highlights the effectiveness of the program, which he hopes will continue to produce talent for both the Drua and the Flying Fijians. “I’m telling my players, that’s what you can aspire to be if you put in the effort and put in the time,” he encouraged.
Nadolo’s extensive rugby experience, built over a distinguished career that includes 30 Test matches for Fiji, positions him uniquely to impact aspiring players. As he embarks on this coaching venture, many see a bright future for both him and the Fijian Drua. His commitment to mentorship and player development not only illustrates a hopeful outlook for the team but also showcases the potential for former players to contribute significantly to the sport long after their playing days have ended.
Leave a comment