Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head of athletics performance Nacani Cawanibuka is expected to head the High Performance Unit at the Fiji Rugby Union.

Former national hooker Bill Gadolo was acting on the role following the resignation of BJ Mather in September last year. Mather a former England international was appointed on October 23, 2023.

Speaking during the awards presentation Drua head coach Glen Jackson revealed the Tavuki, Kadavu native will leave the Drua this year.

He acknowledged his immense contribution to the team since Drua set sail for their inaugural season in 2022.

He said the Olympic gold medal winning strength and conditioning coach did not only contribute to the team’s physicality but spiritually as well.

“I just want to make it special because I know how much he loves this team and what it meant to him; what he has done for me as a person in understanding the spiritual importance behind what Fiji is about,” Jackson added.

Cawanibuka also acknowledged the Drua management and team for all they contributed during his three years with the club.

The 49-year-old graduated with a Master of Professional Practice in Sports Science and High Performance from Otago Polytech in September last year.

“I have learnt a lot from you men and all the great staff that we have worked together – professionalism; rugby is business and also our national pride,” he said.

“We learn from the past, we live in the present, but prepare for the future as well.

“So to all our men those who are staying and leaving and to our staff, Dina, Tabu soro, Kaukauwa, Toso Drua,” he added.

After helping our men’s rugby sevens teams win gold medals at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, the fitness guru was appointed for his Drua role on September, 2021

Naca attended Stella Maris School before completing his high school studies at Marist Brothers High School. He completed his tertiary studies at College of Advanced Education, University of the South Pacific and Otago Polytech.

He holds a Diploma in Coaching, Bachelor of Science in Sport Science, ASCA, World Rugby Trainer in Strength and Conditioning and Oceania Sport Education Program Mentor Strength and Conditioning.

Naca grew up at Tamavua Village outside Suva, in his first seven to eight years and 17 years was at the Nasinu Residential College (now known as Fiji National University Nasinu Campus).

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