Thorburn Starts Super Work
Confirmation on the Fijian Drua head coach announcement, Process of contracting players has started with names to be released in batches, this week
Wednesday 15 September 2021 | 04:10
Fijian sevens utility back, Sireli Maqala fends off a New Zealand player, Maqala is one of the local players that is likely to be contracted for the Fijian Drua for next year’s Super Rugby after he turned down a contract to play in France.
The Fijian Drua head coach for the Super Rugby Pacific will be announced early next week.
This was clarified yesterday by interim Fijian Drua chief executive officer, Brian Thorburn.
“We’re well underway with our preparations on many fronts,” Thorburn said.
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“We’re a little delayed with the coach announcement, due to some delays in getting our standard employment agreement sorted out.”
He is hopeful to announce the head coach early next week.
“Plus we’re close to finalising the support team of assistant coaches and specialists support people.”
Top coaches like former Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson, former All Blacks skills coach Mike Bryne and former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt have been linked to the job.
Thorburn confirmed that they have started signing up the players.
“I think we have about 12 players signed already and contracts out with another 10 or so.”
He is hoping to be able to announce the first batch of five or six players later this week.
“We’ll then be announcing more each week. I‘m thrilled with the calibre of players we’ve got lined-up, and I think we’ll be able to put a really competitive team on the park.”
Thorburn indicated commercially, the Fijian Drua franchise has got a number of sponsors and partners already signed.
“We’re working on a revised brand, jersey designs and all the preparations for the team basing itself in Australia,” he added.
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