The Fijian Drua have appointed highly regarded New Zealand coach Brad Mooar as Head Coach of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
Mooar, who has signed a two-year contract, will officially join the club in September 2026 to oversee preparations for the new campaign.
He arrives with an impressive coaching résumé, having helped guide the Crusaders to three consecutive Super Rugby titles, served as an assistant coach with the All Blacks and Scotland, and previously led Welsh club Scarlets.
His appointment follows what the Drua described as an extensive international recruitment process involving Fijian Drua and Fiji Rugby leadership, along with an independent expert.
Fijian Drua Chief Executive Officer Jeff Miller said Mooar emerged as the standout candidate from a highly competitive field.
“This is one of the most important appointments in the short history of the Fijian Drua and we were determined to conduct a genuinely exhaustive process.”
Miller said the club received applications from an outstanding group of coaches but Mooar distinguished himself through his technical expertise, player development credentials and leadership qualities.
“Brad stood out through his technical and tactical knowledge, his experience in championship-winning environments, his understanding of player development and, importantly, his ability to build strong relationships.”
He added that Mooar understands the responsibility that comes with coaching Fiji’s Super Rugby franchise.
“Our purpose is to win Super Rugby Pacific, inspire a nation and change lives for the better. He has embraced that responsibility and we firmly believe Brad is the right person to lead the next phase of our journey.”
Mooar said he was honoured to take on one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most unique coaching roles.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be given the opportunity to lead the Drua and coach Fiji’s team in Super Rugby Pacific.”
He said the opportunity to work with Fijian players and culture was a major attraction.
“What drew me to this role is the chance to work with such wonderful athletes, to be part of a culture and a people I deeply admire, and to help build something meaningful for the nation.”
Mooar said his goal is to build a team capable of playing an exciting brand of rugby while competing for championships.
“We want to inspire the country, win championships and continue to grow our people and the game in Fiji by creating something the country can be truly proud of.”
He also congratulated the McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women, who recently secured the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s minor premiership and earned the right to host the Grand Final.
Mooar is currently an assistant coach with the Crusaders, having returned to the franchise in 2025 after previously helping the club win Super Rugby titles in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
His coaching career has also included roles with the Scarlets, the All Blacks, Scotland, the Southern Kings, Eastern Province Kings, and Southland. A former Mid Canterbury first five-eighth, Mooar is also a qualified lawyer.
The Drua said further announcements regarding the men’s coaching staff will be made in due course.
