The Fijian Drua has today announced the appointment of former Flying Fijian Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani as the new Development Coach.
The former Crusaders and Leicester Tiger star joins the Drua at a pivotal stage as the Club bolsters its development squad and team management for upcoming Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific seasons.
The Namatakula, Nadroga native brings a wealth of rugby experience to the Fijian Drua, having represented the Flying Fijians in 30 Test matches and scoring 242 points. His decorated playing career spans elite competitions around the world, including Super Rugby Pacific with the Crusaders (39 appearances, 27 tries) and the Waratahs (4 appearances, 1 try), Premiership Rugby with Leicester Tigers (43 appearances, 19 tries), French Top 14 with Montpellier (70 appearances, 53 tries) and Japan Rugby League One with NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu (51 appearances, 55 tries). He also represented the Barbarians between 2009 and 2015 (2 appearances, 1 try).
Nadolo-Kuridrani is the Flying Fijians’ second highest try scorer of all time with 21 tries, an honour he jointly holds with fellow Nadroga man Aisea Tuilevu. He also sits fourth on the all-time highest points scorer list for the Flying Fijians with 242 points, behind Ben Volavola (296), Seremaia Bai (310) and Nicky Little (736).
Renowned for his exceptional power, blockbusting runs and try-scoring prowess, Nadolo-Kuridrani transitioned from playing to rugby commentary in 2024. He has featured consistently on broadcast of Fijian Drua Home matches alongside Greg Clark and Sam Wykes, a role he will continue to perform alongside coaching the Fijian Drua Development Squad.
Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby Baden Stephenson said:“We are thrilled to bring Nemani into the Drua coaching team for 2026. He will fulfill a very important role as our Development Coach. We have great confidence that Nemani will have a significant impact and can help progress our very talented Development players into Drua Super Rugby Pacific players and hopefully next generation Flying Fijians. Nemani is very passionate to give back and share his vast knowledge and experience.”
Expressing his excitement about the new role, Nadolo-Kuridrani said:“It’s a tremendous honour to join the Drua Vuvale as the new Development Coach. Having been close to the team environment through my commentary work over the past few years, I’ve always dreamed of being part of the Drua family. To now begin my coaching journey with such a proud franchise truly means a lot.”
“I’m grateful to Glen, Baden, and Mark for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I intend to repay that faith through hard work and commitment. The Drua is more than a team — it’s a symbol of pride and inspiration for our people across the islands. I’m looking forward to helping nurture young talent, instil positive habits, and strengthen the identity that makes the Drua so special.”
