Mark Evans, the outgoing CEO of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, has bid an emotional farewell to the Drua organization, its players, and the passionate rugby fans in Fiji, reflecting on the team’s achievements and the significant growth of rugby in the nation. Under Evans’ leadership, the Drua have emerged as a professional platform for showcasing Fijian talent, successfully competing against some of the world’s top teams.
Evans recognizes that developing a world-class rugby team is a long-term endeavor. He emphasized that while significant progress has been made, there is still a vast potential to be unlocked. “The message, not just for the players, but for the whole organization and for the country, is… we’re nowhere near where we could get to, or I think we will get to,” he stated. His vision for the team includes taking the time necessary to eventually secure victories in prestigious competitions.
The Drua have become an integral part of Fiji’s rugby landscape, offering local players the chance to gain invaluable experience while remaining in their home country. This not only benefits the Drua but also enhances the strength and cohesion of Fiji’s national teams. The men’s 15s team has consistently maintained a top-10 world ranking, while the women’s team has made remarkable strides, improving from 23rd to 13th globally in just one year.
Evans stresses that true success hinges on the overall rugby infrastructure in Fiji, encompassing school programs, training facilities, and player welfare systems. He is optimistic about the future of Fijian rugby, believing that continued investment in youth development and resources will pave the way for Fiji to sustain its place among the rugby elite. “Look, I’m pretty optimistic about it. I think we’ve come a long, long way… and I don’t think we’ve stopped improving yet,” he noted.
As Evans steps down, he leaves behind a legacy of hope and progress for Fijian rugby, emphasizing that while the Drua represents an essential piece of the puzzle, there is a broader vision at play that could see Fiji regularly challenging the giants of global rugby. He enjoyed a heartfelt farewell from the management, staff, and players in Nadi on Thursday evening, with former Wallabies flanker Jeff Miller set to take over the leadership role.
Looking forward, the Drua are scheduled to face Moana Pasifika in their first match of the upcoming season on February 14th at Churchill Park in Lautoka at 3:35 PM, continuing their journey in the world of professional rugby. This new chapter for both the team and the sport in Fiji holds great potential and promise for further achievements.