Jeff Miller, the newly appointed chief executive officer of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, has expressed a strong vision to lead the club towards winning Super Rugby titles. During his official welcome at the Drua base, Miller emphasized that his motivations for taking the role are rooted in passion rather than personal ambition.
In response to public speculation regarding his intentions, Miller clarified that he is not seeking to enhance his CV but is driven by a deep love for rugby and a strong connection to the Fijian culture and people. “From my heart, that’s the furthest thing for someone as old as I am to be advancing my CV. I accepted this role because I have a passion for rugby,” he stated.
Miller brings decades of experience in the sport, having contributed as a player, coach, administrator, and board member. He is committed to enhancing the Drua organization and has acknowledged the foundational work done by previous leaders, such as Brian Thorburn and Mark Evans. Nevertheless, Miller stresses the importance of completing what he refers to as “unfinished business” by achieving the elusive Super Rugby title for the franchise.
He shared his goal of inspiring the nation through success in rugby: “If we can do that, we will inspire the nation and will change lives for the better.” However, Miller cautioned that the pursuit of titles would require hard work, dedication, and a commitment from the entire team, including players, coaches, and staff. He noted the need for a balance between Fijian flair and discipline, emphasizing that consistency and mental strength are crucial for success.
Miller also encouraged everyone within the organization to embrace responsibility and strive for personal accountability in their roles. He believes in learning from mistakes as part of the growth process and underscored the importance of respecting traditional culture while also fostering an environment of enjoyment among players.
Ending his address on a hopeful note, he called for unity within the club, urging everyone to adopt a positive attitude, resilience in challenging times, and the discipline to follow through on commitments. The ceremony concluded with a traditional welcome from the Drua players, marking a new chapter for the club under Miller’s leadership.
Leave a comment