A CONCERTED effort to ensure all players are properly cared for and not subjected to burnout in what is shaping up to be an intense 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season is high on the list for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
Head coach Glen Jackson told reporters on Wednesday how the current squad allowed for all players to feature in each match this season and gave time for those featured earlier to recuperate for upcoming ones.
“Everyone has the same concerns really, and having a squad that we’ve got this year helps,” Jackson said.
“Not every player is going to play every game so it’s a balance of peaking when it’s your turn to play and when it’s not, then it’s the opportunity to rest and recover and making sure that we keep them on a good path of fitness so that you peak also for the play-offs.”
For tomorrow’s clash against Moana Pasifika, Jackson and his fellow coaches have named new signings such as co-captain Temo Mayanavanua, half-back Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, winger Manasa Mataele and inside centre Virimi Vakatawa in the starting XV.
Other players who once featured in these positions were not named in the Drua’s match-day 23 which may illustrate the point driven across by Jackson in his sentiments.
“So, it’s that balance of what we’re trying to do,” he said.
“The boys came in a little bit later than they have done previously, especially the Flying Fijians and that was important that they got some rest through that, but they turned up and they were ready to go.”
The Flying Fijian players in question were the Drua players who were on national duties during the November Tests in Europe last year.
Meanwhile, the qualifying finals are scheduled for Friday, June 5.
