Former Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar to lead Fijian Drua

The Fijian Drua have appointed championship-winning New Zealand coach Brad Mooar as head coach of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men, handing him the task of leading the club into its next era from the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.

Mooar, a former Crusaders, All Blacks and Scotland assistant coach, has signed a two-year contract and will officially join the Drua in September 2026 to prepare for the men's pre-season.

His appointment follows what the club described as an exhaustive global recruitment process involving Fijian Drua and Fiji Rugby leadership, as well as an independent expert.

The selection panel unanimously endorsed Mooar after he impressed with his vision of combining Fiji's natural attacking flair with the discipline, consistency and physicality needed to succeed in Super Rugby Pacific.

Fijian Drua chief executive officer Jeff Miller said Mooar emerged as the standout candidate from a highly competitive field.

"This is one of the most important appointments in the short history of the Fijian Drua and we were determined to conduct a genuinely exhaustive process," Mr Miller said.

"We received applications from an outstanding group of coaches and were extremely impressed by the quality, experience and different perspectives presented throughout the process. Brad stood out through his technical and tactical knowledge, his experience in championship-winning environments, his understanding of player development and, importantly, his ability to build strong relationships."

Mr Miller said Mooar's experience at the highest levels of rugby made him the right person to lead the club.

"He has coached at the highest levels of the game, has led his own professional programme and understands what is required to develop a clear Fijian rugby identity and create a consistently successful high-performance environment."

"Brad also understands that coaching the Fijian Drua carries responsibilities extending beyond the field. Our purpose is to win Super Rugby Pacific, inspire a nation and change lives for the better. He has embraced that responsibility and we firmly believe Brad is the right person to lead the next phase of our journey. He will lead an exciting blend of coaching staff that will combine international experience with a strong local connection."

Mooar said he was honoured to take on one of the most unique coaching roles in Southern Hemisphere rugby.

"It's a tremendous honour to be given the opportunity to lead the Drua and coach Fiji's team in Super Rugby Pacific. What drew me to this role is the chance to work with such wonderful athletes, to be part of a culture and a people I deeply admire, and to help build something meaningful for the nation."

"I believe there are enormous opportunities for us to play a special brand of rugby that is successful, entertaining and inspiring. We want to inspire the country, win championships and continue to grow our people and the game in Fiji by creating something the country can be truly proud of. My family and I are very excited to join the Club, meet everyone and become part of the Drua vuvale. We can't wait."

Mooar also congratulated the McDonald's Fiji Drua Women after they finished atop the 2026 Super Rugby Women's regular-season standings and secured a home grand final.

"The Drua Women have had a remarkable season by becoming Minor Premiers and hosting the Grand Final. Massive congratulations to Mike Legge, Bitila Tawake, Kolora Lomani and the entire Drua Women's squad and staff for this fantastic and historic occasion."

Mooar is currently an assistant coach with the Crusaders, having returned to the franchise for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. During an earlier stint with the Crusaders, he helped the club win three consecutive Super Rugby titles from 2017 to 2019.

His coaching career has also included roles as head coach of Welsh club Scarlets, backs and attack coach with the All Blacks, and assistant coach with Scotland during the 2023 Six Nations Championship and Rugby World Cup.

A former Mid Canterbury first five-eighth, Mooar is also a qualified lawyer.

The Drua said further announcements on the men's coaching group would be made in due course.