The Board of Fijian Drua has appointed highly respected coach Glen Jackson as Head Coach for the Men’s team.
Jackson is currently the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men’s Assistant Coach. He is a former leading international referee who officiated over 100 first class fixtures, and a Super Rugby Pacific flyhalf for the Chiefs with 60 appearances over five years. He was also recently as Assistant Coach for the Flying Fijians, including the impressive 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign.
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans said: “Glen has already made a tremendous contribution to the Drua since our inception in 2022. The Board is delighted to appoint Glen to the role after a thorough process. Glen has wonderful ideas which will allow the Fijian Drua to have even greater success moving into the future. His deep knowledge of the Fijian culture complemented by his insights and relationship with the players, staff and everyone in the Club assures the continuity with Drua needs. Glen will officially take over once Mick Byrne takes up his Flying Fijians Head Coach role fulltime on conclusion of the current Super Rugby Pacific campaign.”
Head Coach designate Glen Jackson thanked Drua Chairman Brent Impey, Board Directors and Management for their faith in him. “I am grateful, humbled by the opportunity and the responsibility is not lost on me. I have learnt a lot and I am very passionate about the Fijian culture. My time at the Flying Fijians & Drua has shown me how powerful the Fijian culture, community and passion in moulding good players and good people.
Jackson added: “I’m very excited about the future to work with quality players and for the chance to develop leaders. The Drua can change people’s lives and Rugby is our national sport. I am committed to ensuring Fiji continues to make a stand in Super Rugby Pacific, grows the game and sets a platform for the next generation.”
Glen Jackson has been appointed on a three-year contract.
Glen Jackson has a wealth of experience playing first class rugby as a flyhalf with top level experience in New Zealand and the UK. He made 60 Super Rugby Pacific appearances for the Chiefs between 1999 – 2004, scoring 474 points. Between 2004 – 2010, Jackson made 130 appearances for Saracens in Premiership Rugby, scoring 1505 points.
Jackson’s officiating career includes refereeing 32 Tests, 88 Super Rugby Pacific matches and 60 domestic New Zealand matches including eight Ranfurly Shield fixtures.
