Former Flying Fijians winger and Crusaders standout, Nemani Nadolo, has officially joined the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua coaching staff as Development Coach. This exciting new role allows Nadolo to bring his considerable experience to the Drua, having made 30 Test appearances for the Flying Fijians and scoring 242 points throughout his career.
Nadolo’s impactful playing career included stints in some of the world’s premier rugby leagues, where he was notably part of the Super Rugby Pacific, registering 39 appearances and scoring 27 tries for the Crusaders. His history also includes a brief tenure with the Waratahs, where he added another try to his impressive tally from just four matches. Nadolo remains the second-highest try scorer in the history of the Flying Fijians with 21 tries, a record he shares with fellow Nadroga native Aisea Tuilevu, and ranks fourth on Fiji’s all-time points list, trailing only Ben Volavola, Seremaia Bai, and Nicky Little.
At 37 years of age, Nadolo is poised to focus on developing individual player skills and enhancing the player development pathway within the Drua organization. He expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, signaling his commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring the future success of Fiji’s rugby landscape.
Nadolo’s transition into coaching follows his retirement from professional rugby, during which he faced challenges, including an injury sustained while representing the Waratahs. His new position at the Drua represents a hopeful new chapter, not just for him but also for the myriad young athletes he will mentor, illustrating a positive pathway for former players to remain influential within the sport. Nadolo’s move into coaching highlights the vital role experienced players play in shaping the future of rugby, as they pass on their wealth of knowledge and passion to the next generation.