The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is set to participate in the highly anticipated McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, which will take place from January 16-18, 2025, at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. This announcement brings excitement as the tournament continues to grow in reputation as one of the premier rugby events in Fiji, featuring top local and international teams.
Head coach Glen Jackson expressed gratitude for the Drua’s inclusion in the tournament, highlighting its importance as both a competitive opportunity and a platform for player development. “It’s a massive competition that keeps growing all the time, so we’re very thankful for them for allowing us to enter again,” Jackson noted. He emphasized that the Coral Coast 7s would provide valuable game time, allowing both full-squad and development players to hone their skills.
The Drua has utilized this tournament in the past to assess player combinations and fitness levels in preparation for their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific seasons. Jackson also pointed out that competing against elite 7s players presents a unique chance for those primarily experienced in 15s rugby to showcase and enhance their skills.
Jay Whyte, chairman of the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens Organising Committee, shared his excitement about having the Drua, Fiji’s first professional rugby franchise, participating. This event not only highlights the team’s growing influence but also reflects their significant support base, with an impressive 55% of the Fijian population reportedly following their matches.
Previous tournaments have featured numerous rugby legends, including Waisale Serevi, Jonah Lomu, Rasta Rasivhenge, George Gregan, Bryan Habana, and Dan Norton, many of whom are honored on Sigatoka’s ‘Rugby Town Walk of Fame’. The presence of such esteemed figures enhances the appeal of the Coral Coast Sevens, making it a must-watch event for rugby fans.
In a context that promotes local rugby talent development, the Drua’s participation is poised to inspire the next generation of players in Fiji. As anticipation builds for the tournament, fans can look forward to witnessing their favorite Drua players compete with both passion and skill on this exciting platform.