SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson firmly believes in the essence of the club’s development team, as the entire club braces itself for the start of an action-packed 2026 season of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Jackson affirmed the vitality of the development squad which he acknowledged as a clear example of how important it was.
“Always massively important,” Jackson responded when asked by Times Sport during the Fijian Drua’s content day at its homebase in Legalega, Nadi on Wednesday.
“We’ve probably been the most successful club at bringing development through to our senior squad; I think everyone knows here.”
His sentiments come after the announcement of the team on Monday.
A total of 12 players were announced, ready to fill in the gaps left by former development players who have since been promoted to the main squad such as Isoa Tuwai and Aisea Nawai.
And in bringing players like these to the helm where the club’s ambitions are championed week after week, round after round, Jackson did not mince his words in stating how capable the development players could be in stepping up when needed.
“I don’t have any concerns about bringing a young boy out into Super Rugby, so some of these development (players) could easily play again for Super Rugby,” Jackson emphasised.
He then highlighted the work of its coach, Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani, in anchoring the vision as it takes shape.
“And they know that they have come with an amazing attitude, with Nemani (Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani) on board looking after them as well.
“His experience and understanding of winning rugby are huge for the club, and so it’s great for these young men.”
The 12 development players named by the club are Bogi Kikau, Breyton Legge, Harold Rounds, JD Sivivatu Kanth, Jeneiro Wakeham, Joshua Uluibau, Joweli Walevu, Kalioni Ratunabuabua, Maleli Nauvasi, Moses Armstrtong-Ravula, Pita Manamanaivalu and Sairusi Ravudi.
