Young players who are interested to join the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua squad for 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season need to perform at this year’s Skipper Cup competition. This was revealed yesterday by Drua head coach Glen Jackson He told SUNsports that they have set certain criteria to base their selection on when the Skipper Cup competition gets underway on August 2. Jackson highlighted that they need to create a pool of players to pluck from. “Absolutely, every competition that’s got Fijian qualified players, we’ll look at,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Skipper Cup or overseas or anything like that. We want the right people, who can play for the Drua and whether that’s Skipper Cup or not. We’ve even selected from the Deans (Trophy). “We’ve selected from overseas. Every single Fijian player even from sevens tournaments, we’ve picked up.” During the Drua’s Super Rugby debut year in 2022, with the unavailability of overseas-based players the selection was on the Skipper Cup players like Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi, Tevita Ikanivere, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Simione Kuruvoli, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Meli Tuni, Apisalome Vota, Samuela Tawake, Leone Nawai, Chris Minimbi, Vilive Miramira, Peni Matawalu and the list goes on. Local-based players who later joined the Drua included Elia Canakaivata, Taniela Rakuro, Iosefo Masi, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Tuwai, Motikiai Murray, Ponipate Loganimasi, Philip Baselala, Sailosi Vukalokalo and Kavaia Tagivetaua. For next season, the Drua’s latest recruit is Fiji men’s sevens winger Jioji Nasova. Jackson said they need to restock the players as there are a few who have moved on and a few new signings have begun since it is very important to have players for the future of the club. “We want the right people playing for the Drua and the people that want to be here. “So, we’re certainly looking forward to watching the Skipper Cup in a month’s time. “We’ll be keeping a close eye on every team.” Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj