Swire Shipping Fijian Drua chief executive Mark Evans has expressed that the establishment of the Drua has significantly influenced the success and stability of Fiji’s national rugby program. He emphasized the strong relationship between the Drua and the Fiji Water Flying Fijians, noting that a considerable number of players currently touring Europe with the national team have either played for or come through the Drua ranks.
Evans remarked that approximately 32 players touring Europe have ties to the Drua, with 17 or 18 being current or former Drua players included in the national squad. “One of the reasons the Drua was established, as outlined in our constitution, was to enhance and support the performance of the national team,” he stated.
The results corroborate Evans’ claims, with the Flying Fijians maintaining their position as the ninth-ranked team in the world for the past few years, achieving consistency not seen in past years. “We’ve been ranked ninth for the past two or three years, which is the most consistent performance of any Fijian national team over that stretch of time,” he noted, adding that at one point, the team even climbed to eighth in the world rankings for a brief period.
This alignment between the Drua and the national team is viewed positively by head coach Mick Byrne, who has highlighted the Drua’s role in refining the skills and physicality of its players. This year, many Drua athletes were vital to the national team’s performance during the Autumn Nations Test Series, demonstrating the depth and talent fostered by the Drua.
Byrne has expressed optimism about the potential for continued collaboration, stating that the integration of players from the Drua enhances Fiji Rugby’s growth and sets a hopeful tone for the sport’s future in the region. The combination of professional training environments nurtured by the Drua with the national squad’s seasoned players is expected to fortify the overall team dynamics moving forward.
As the Drua approaches its third year, the synergy it has created with the Flying Fijians stands as a beacon of hope, suggesting a bright future for Fiji Rugby. The commitment to developing young talent alongside professional athletes underlines the transformative potential of this partnership, positioning Fiji Rugby for further success on the international stage.