Swire Shipping Fijian Drua chief executive Mark Evans has highlighted the transformative impact that the Drua has had on the success and stability of Fiji’s national rugby program. He pointed to the solid relationship between the Drua and the Fiji Water Flying Fijians, noting that a significant number of players currently touring Europe with the national team have either played for or emerged from the Drua ranks.
Evans stated that around 32 players on the European tour have connections to the Drua, with 17 or 18 currently active or former Drua players making up 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 elaborated.
These observations are reinforced by the results, with the Flying Fijians maintaining their status as the ninth-ranked team in the world for several years, showcasing a level of consistency that has not been seen in previous eras. “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. At one point, we even climbed to eighth in the world rankings,” Evans added.
Head coach Mick Byrne has also recognized the Drua’s pivotal role in developing the skills and physicality of its players. Many Drua athletes played crucial roles in the national team’s performance during the recent Autumn Nations Test Series, further illustrating the depth and talent cultivated by the Drua’s efforts.
Byrne has expressed optimism about the ongoing collaboration between the Drua and the national team, emphasizing that the integration of Drua players bolsters Fiji Rugby’s growth and sets a promising outlook for the sport’s future in the region. The synergy created through professional training environments provided by the Drua, combined with the experience of seasoned national players, is expected to strengthen team dynamics going forward.
As the Drua prepares to enter its third year, the partnership it has established with the Flying Fijians emerges as a beacon of hope, indicating a bright future for Fiji Rugby. This dedication to nurturing young talent alongside professional athletes showcases the transformative potential of this collaboration, positioning Fiji Rugby for continued success on the international stage.