THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua 7s team will participate in the Fiji Bitter Mataso 7s which will be held at Churchill Park from November 15-16.
The Drua team gears up for a fresh preseason approach under their new head coach Glen Jackson, who is bringing in new ideas to shake things up.
This shift includes an unexpected return to the sevens format, starting with the upcoming Fiji Bitter Mataso 7s on November 15-16 at Churchill Park, followed by the renowned Coral Coast 7s in January.
Drua CEO Mark Evans explained the move as part of a broader strategy to keep the players engaged and competitive while breaking up the long preseason.
With the absence of around 25 top players who are currently on tour in Europe, the remaining Drua players have been training in Fiji, preparing for a preseason that will be interspersed with exciting new challenges.
“Sevens adds a competitive edge the boys enjoy,” Evans shared.
“New head coach with different ideas. And I think one of the things that Glen wants to bring into preseason, because it’s quite a long time.
“And I know lots of our top players are away in Europe. Obviously, 25 Drua players on the tour, but it just breaks up preseason. It’s quite interesting. It’s competitive. The boys like playing sevens,” Evans said.
The move also provides a unique opportunity for Drua players who aren’t touring to maintain their momentum and add variety to their training regimen.
Players who have been in Fiji for several weeks already will now have a solid preseason program extending up until the Christmas break, after which they’ll resume for six more weeks.
“It’s a different approach, really, and it’s one Jacko is enthusiastic about. It’s interesting, it keeps the team engaged, and the boys love playing sevens.”
Evans also confirmed they are also considering 10s tournament.
“We’re also considering 10s tournaments, providing further variety as we gear up for the season.”
