WINNING Super Rugby titles is the clear vision of newly appointed Swire Shipping Fijian Drua chief executive officer Jeff Miller, who says his decision to take up the role is driven by passion, not personal gain.
Addressing players, coaches and staff during his official welcome yesterday at the Drua base, Miller responded to early public commentary about his appointment.
“I remember when I was appointed to the role and someone posted a comment on social media who just said, I hope he’s not taking this role to advance his CV.”
He was quick to dismiss the suggestion, saying his reasons for accepting the role were deeply personal.
“And I can tell you, from my heart, that’s the furthest thing for someone as old as I am to be advancing my CV. I accepted this role because I have a passion for rugby.”
“I have a passion for how Fijians play rugby.”
Miller said his connection to Fiji and its people was another strong motivator.
“While it’s been a while since I’ve been on island, I love the Fijian culture, and I love the Fijian people.”
Drawing on decades of experience across all levels of the game, Miller said he was committed to strengthening the Drua organisation.
“I also want to use my many years of experience that I’ve gained as a player, as a coach, as an administrator, as a board member, to continue to build this club.”
“I want to give back to you, and when I leave this club, I will be assured that the club will be in a much better place.”
He acknowledged the work of those who laid the foundation of the club but stressed that unfinished business remains.
“On that note, though, I do want to call out a special mention to all the hard work that’s gone in to building this club, from Brian Thorburn, who was the first CEO, to Mark Evans, to those that have been with the club since its existence, I think you’ve done a remarkable job, and you should be congratulated on that, but we still haven’t won a title yet.
“My vision for the club, and I know it’s the staff as well is simply to win super Rugby titles.
“If we can do that, we will inspire the nation and will change lives for the better.”
He reminded the group that success would not come easily.
“Winning Super Rugby titles are never easy. Takes a lot of hard work, commitment, playing for each other and playing for the fans.”
Miller highlighted the balance required between flair and discipline.
“You need skill. We need Fijian flair, as well as discipline and being uncomfortable at times.”
He also stressed the importance of consistency and mental strength.
“It requires an 80 minute effort, something that maybe we haven’t been good as as a team in the past, and we need a mindset to withstand the pressure that other teams will put us under.
“And I know the coaches are working towards that, and I have great confidence in the coaches that you have got,” he added.
Club values, he said, must be lived every day.
“I’m also a big fan of living the values, discipline, resilience, united, attitude. You need we need to live those values to be successful.”
Miller challenged everyone within the organisation to take responsibility.
“I challenge every one of you in this club, players, coaches, staff, to be the best version of yourself that you can be, to take accountability, no excuses, to contribute positively to the success of this club.”
He acknowledged that mistakes are part of growth.
“We need to learn from our mistakes so that they don’t happen again.
“You, there are two other things that are really important to me. One is the respect for the traditional culture, which you already do so well. The second is, we must have fun.”
He said seeing players enjoy themselves was one of his greatest joys.
“There’s nothing that gives me more joy than to hear you all run around laughing and squealing and patting each other on the back, and it looks like you are having fun.”
Miller ended his address with a united call to action.
“So 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.”
Miller was also accorded a full traditional welcome by the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players at the Drua base.
