Jeff Miller has officially stepped into the role of chief executive officer of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, bringing with him a fervent passion for rugby and an ambitious vision aimed at securing Super Rugby titles. In a heartfelt welcome ceremony involving players, coaches, and staff, Miller asserted that his pursuit of this position is driven by his love for the sport and the Fijian community, not personal advancement.
Having maintained a long-standing connection to Fiji and its people, Miller remarked, “While it’s been a while since I’ve been on island, I love the Fijian culture, and I love the Fijian people.” His extensive background in rugby, encompassing playing, coaching, and administration experiences, fuels his determination to enhance the Drua’s overall structure and performance.
Recognizing the hard work laid by his predecessors, including Brian Thorburn and Mark Evans, Miller acknowledged the urgency for the club to secure its first title. He made it clear that his primary goal for the club is simple: “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 encouraged the entire organization to commit fully to this aim, reinforcing that success hinges on hard work, unity, and dedication.
Miller spoke about the critical balance required for achieving success, merging the unique Fijian flair with discipline, consistency, and mental resilience. He emphasized that an 80-minute effort and the ability to withstand pressure are vital for the team’s success, and he expressed confidence in the coaching staff’s capabilities.
Furthermore, Miller highlighted the significance of the club’s core values—discipline, resilience, unity, and positivity—integrating these principles into daily practice. He encouraged all members of the Drua to take personal responsibility while learning from mistakes and respecting traditional culture, all while nurturing a spirit of enjoyment within the team.
Wrapping up his address with an inspiring message, Miller called for a united club culture focused on 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.” His warm reception, marked by a traditional ceremony from the players, signals an optimistic new chapter for Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and its pursuit of greatness in the rugby arena.