Outgoing Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson has urged the club to remain independent from the Fiji Rugby Union, saying the separation is vital for the continued success of professional rugby in Fiji.
Speaking after the Drua's final match of the Shop n Save Super Rugby Pacific season, Jackson says the success of the Drua has taken a long time to achieve in an established competition.
He says it needs to remain separate and be run by two different entities.
Stand-in captain Tuidraki Samusamuvodre says the Drua gave their all but were ultimately undone by costly mistakes.
The Drua finished the season in 10th place with 21 points, recording five wins and nine losses.
They ended three points behind the Highlanders and seven adrift of the Waratahs, with both teams also registering five wins but earning more bonus points throughout the campaign.
Despite the disappointing finish, Jackson says the team had shown significant promise during the closing stages of the season, including a narrow loss to the Western Force last week.
He says the young squad had continued to mature and gain a better understanding of what it takes to compete in a professional environment.
Jackson also expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding Moana Pasifika and says he hoped the club's future could be secured for the benefit of Pacific rugby.
He says preserving strong Pacific teams in elite competitions remains crucial for the continued development of rugby across the region.
Meanwhile, the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final fixtures have been confirmed with the defending champions, the Crusaders, hosting the Blues at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch at 4.35pm Saturday.
The table-topping Hurricanes will kick off the Finals Series when they take on the ACT Brumbies at Hnry Stadium at 7.05pm Friday.
The Chiefs will wrap up the Qualifying Finals with a Saturday night showdown against the Queensland Reds at 7.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton.
The three winning teams in the Qualifying Finals will progress to the semi-finals along with the highest-ranked losing team (the 'lucky loser').
In a variation from last season, this year the 'lucky loser' will be relegated to the lowest seeding for the semi-finals and, as such, will forego any chance to host the semi-finals or the Grand Final, should they progress.
Source: RNZ
