“The Flying Fijian boys obviously are still getting ready for the November tour. Mostly the development boys have come back with a good nick but they are now feeling it after a week and a half of running.”
Drua head coach Glen Jackson.
Fitness tops the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s agenda during their off season training programme.
This was highlighted to SUNsports by Drua head coach Glen Jackson during an interview yesterday.
“We can’t win Super Rugby if you’re not fit,” Jackson said when asked what is their top priority at the moment.
“For Master Naca (Cawanibuka) and the S&C boys (strength and conditioning coaches) now have massive time to get a lot of work under these boys’ belts.
“So far they’ve been doing great and we’ve seen a massive change.”
Jackson said it has been a hard week of training for the players after they had a good time off after last season.
“The Flying Fijian boys obviously are still getting ready for the November tour. Mostly the development boys have come back with a good nick but they are now feeling it after a week and a half of running.”
The Drua’s off season training has been further boosted with the presence of experienced assistant coaches Tim Sampson and Chris Gibbes.
“I’m pleased to have two outstanding coaches,” Jackson said.
Fijian Drua strength and conditioning coach Naca Cawanibuka and Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson (inset) during a training session at Wailoaloa Beach earlier this month. Photos: Fijian Drua
Gibbes was Hurricanes assistant coach before he joined the Drua as the forwards coach.
He was Wellington’s head coach when they were promoted to the premier division in 2017. Gibbes was also Japan, Georgia and New Zealand Under-20 forwards coach.
Sampson was Western Force head coach from 2018 to 2022 before becoming Melbourne Rebels assistant coach in 2023 where they reached the Super Rugby quarterfinal. He is the Drua’s attack coach.
“They (Gibbes and Sampson) know the (Super Rugby) competition very well. I’m very lucky to have them as assistant coaches.
“Obviously this is their first time with a Fijian team but their ability to learn the boys names and implement what we try to do from week one, has been awesome. They are both motivated and love being here and they also love the organisation. We’re pleased to have them.”
The Drua is also contemplating of travelling to Kadavu in December for training, community outreach and bonding sessions.
“It’s something we’re trying to focus on. It’s about bringing the team together, not only on the field but off the field as well,” Jackson clarified.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
