Expect a hard‑hitting Drua this season, says Coach Jackson

Expect a hard-hititng Fijian Drua side this season.

Head coach Glenn Jackson said his team has prepared harder than ever before as they head into the Super Rugby Pacific 2026 season. 

With the signing of three experienced trio this year, Jackson said this would boost the Drua with the hope to secure a top eight finish. 

The trio are former Wallabies Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, winning Super Rugby winger Manasa Mataele and Flying Fijians lock Temo Mayanavanua. 

“It was really important for us to get some great Fijians back into the country that have learned how to win,” Jackson said.

“Like any team, we want to make the playoffs. We’d love to be a home playoff. That is our goal.”

He said that the pre-season had been intense. 

“Our testing results have been the best they’ve ever been as a club. 

He added that several Flying Fijians players returned early to train, even though they were not required.

Jackson confirmed Mayanavanua and Frank Lomani would be co-captains. 

“Temo (Mayanavanua) has been unbelievable. He’s brought in wonderful experience,” he said. 

He added that Lomani is fit and ready to lead following his shoulder surgery which sidelined him last year. 

Jackson highlighted the inclusion of 12 development players was a great addition to the squad. 

“We’ve been probably the most successful club at bringing development through into our senior squad,” he said. 

“Some of these young players are already capable of playing Super Rugby.”

The Drua failed to secure a top eight finish last year with the new format and Jackson hopes they are going to lift their performance. 

“We did some mistakes that we put our hand up and rectified,” he said. 

“Poor away game form and injuries were key issues.”

He said the squad now had depth with “two proper rugby players in every position.”

Jackson said the team would travel to New Zealand for their pre-season match against the Chiefs which will be on January 30. 

“We’re going to spend a week there, a lot of team building and really perform hopefully well against the Chiefs,” he said. 

Jackson also acknowledged the ardent Drua supporters. 

“We just know the Fijian fans are the best in the world and we will make them proud,” he said. 

The Drua will host Moana Pasifika in Round 1 at Churchill Park, Lautoka on February 14.