The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has announced the addition of Tim Sampson to their coaching staff for the upcoming Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific seasons. Sampson, who brings extensive international experience as both a player and coach, will focus on developing the team’s attacking strategies.
Previously, as the Senior Assistant Coach at the Melbourne Rebels, he guided the team to its first quarterfinal appearance in 2024. “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to coach at a club such as the Drua, which I have admired since its entry into the National Rugby Championship in 2017. The chance to work alongside Mark, Baden, Glen, and the rest of the support staff, as well as to coach such a talented group of athletes, was very appealing to me,” stated Sampson.
His career includes a notable tenure as the Head Coach of the Western Force from 2018 to 2022, and he was recognized as the Queensland Premier Rugby Player of the Year in 2005. In addition to his coaching roles with elite teams, Sampson has played a significant role in player development, having served as an Assistant Coach for the Junior Wallabies and holding various coaching positions with the Canberra Vikings and Eastern Districts Rugby Club. His temporary role as the Interim Backs/Skills Coach for the ACT Brumbies in 2016 further enhanced his credentials within the rugby coaching community.