SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua forwards coach Chris Gibbes says the team has made a strong shift in mindset and work ethic as they prepare for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Gibbes admitted the Drua fell short of their own expectations last season, despite showing positive signs in parts of their campaign.
“Yeah, I think to be fair, in our own standards and expectations, we were a little bit disappointing last year in terms of results,” Gibbes said.
“We did have some really good growth moments, but I think the reflection part for us was around making sure we turn up to this pre-season and heading into 2026 with a better mindset and attitude, all of those sorts of things, but also to that willingness to put some work in.”
He said the past six to seven weeks of pre-season has been intense, with a strong focus on both rugby skills and physical conditioning.
“That’s kind of what we’ve been focusing on over the last six to seven weeks. We’ve been combining our rugby skill work, but we’ve understood that there’s a lot more physical stuff that we need to be getting out of our boys and they’ve been putting it in and we’re getting really good results.”
Gibbes believes there has been a noticeable change across the organisation.
“So that’s been the focus and there’s been a really big shift here and I think right through the organisation you can see it and you can feel it and we’re heading in the right direction. A lot of work to be done, but we’re in a pretty good space.”
Looking ahead to the new season, Gibbes said the changes within the squad and management have brought renewed excitement.
“With every season there comes some excitement because there’s obviously changing dynamic personnel, new management, new players come into the group and that’s always exciting. It brings a different dynamic.”
He also highlighted the Drua’s match locations as a major boost.
“For us, just obviously kicking off in Lautoka, having games in Ba, the Super Round down in Christchurch, there’s lots of really exciting things to look forward to. And I just think that we’ve got exciting seven games here back on the island. We really want to step up and grow from where we were this time last year.”
Gibbes ended with a message for the Drua faithful.
“Just enjoy each other’s company and look after each other and get ready for a bumper 2026 season.”
