Jeff Miller has officially taken the helm as the new chief executive officer of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, driven by a deep passion for rugby and a commitment to leading the organization to Super Rugby titles. Addressing players, coaches, and staff during a recent welcome ceremony, Miller emphatically dismissed any notion that he accepted the role for personal advancement, highlighting that his motivations are rooted in a genuine love for the game and the Fijian culture.
Miller reflected on his long connection to Fiji and its people, stating, “While it’s been a while since I’ve been on island, I love the Fijian culture, and I love the Fijian people.” With a wealth of experience in various aspects of rugby—from playing to coaching and administration—he expressed his determination to utilize this background to enhance the Drua’s structure and performance.
Acknowledging the foundational work established by previous leaders such as Brian Thorburn and Mark Evans, Miller emphasized the need for the club to achieve its first title. He articulated, “My vision for the club… is simply to win Super Rugby titles. If we can do that, we will inspire the nation and change lives for the better.” He recognized that success requires hard work, commitment, and unity, urging everyone involved to embrace this collective goal.
Miller underscored the balance necessary for success, combining Fijian flair with discipline, consistency, and mental fortitude. He noted that achieving success requires an 80-minute effort and a resilient mindset to handle pressure, reinforcing his confidence in the coaching team’s abilities.
He also emphasized the importance of embodying the club’s values of discipline, resilience, unity, and a positive attitude in daily practice. Encouraging all individuals associated with the Drua to take personal responsibility for their contributions, Miller reflected on the value of learning from mistakes and maintaining respect for traditional culture while also fostering a spirit of enjoyment within the team.
Concluding his address with a motivational call to action, Miller expressed hope for a united club culture that embraces positivity and perseverance, stating, “Let’s unite as a club with a positive attitude, resilience when times get tough, and the discipline to do what we say we’re going to do.” He was warmly welcomed with a traditional ceremony by the players, marking a promising new chapter for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.