New Drua CEO Takes On Challenges
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua chief executive officer Mark Evans hopes to take the franchise club to another level after its inaugural season.
Thursday 20 October 2022 | 14:11
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua chief executive officer Mark Evans (left) and outgoing CEO Brian Thorburn at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, on October 19, 2022. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua chief executive officer Mark Evans hopes to take the franchise club to another level after its inaugural season.
Evans who took over from Brian Thorburn officially started as the new Drua CEO on Monday at their Legalega home base in Nadi.
He arrived from London on Sunday and was formally introduced at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday.
The former Saracens boss is not new to rugby. He is from Wales.
“I’m just really delighted to be here,” he said.
“I know how important it is for people and to the country. I’m also from a country where rugby is a national sport, where rugby cuts across all classes. Everybody is interested.
“That gives you a special importance when you’re the national sport or any country you’re in a very, very privileged position.
“I think the progress under Brian’s leadership has been made to date has been incredibly impressive.”
Evans acknowledged Thorburn for sailing successfully with the Drua in its maiden season and through challenges including the flood at their NSW base and COVID-19.
“To startup and then in your first season you have to operate entirely outside your home market is extraordinarily difficult,” Evans said.
“I hope they don’t underestimate how difficult that first year was and how the players and the coaches and the administrators involved with the drill really stepped up and had an incredibly credibly encouraging first year it’s not just about wins and losses.
“Well, obviously we’re all very mindful of those and we’re all competitive people but there’s other things important as well and to basically be able to absorb all this stuff about living away from home.
“I just want to pay tribute for all the people who got us this far. “We’re in a better facility. We’ve got a bit more experience. We know what Super Rugby is all about. So I’m really hopeful that we can take it up a level.
Evan is set to progress the team with both on and off the field. These includes key areas like ticketing ,marketing and sponsorship.
“We need to build on and secure everything that goes together to drive a successful franchise and to drive a successful organisation.
“Every little bit counts. You got to develop players from your academy. You got to recruit well from outside. You’ve got to offer good value to fans. You’ve got a great match day experience. All those things apply anywhere where you work in the world. And hopefully, each year we just get better at all of them.”
Evans added that he looks forward to learn about Fiji and its culture during the duration of his contract.
“If people are kind enough to offer you a job in their country, you sort of have an obligation to get to know about it, their history and understand the culture. That’s what attracts me a lot about working in different places.”
He previously served as Chief Executive of the Western Force (Super Rugby), Global Rapid Rugby, Melbourne Storm (NRL), Harlequins FC (English Premiership Rugby) – a club he also coached – and as Director of Rugby at Saracens FC.
Meanwhile, former Drua CEO Thorburn has denied claims of winger Vinaya Habosi being signed to French club, Racing 92.
Story By: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
