Fijian Drua promote assistant Glen Jackson to head coach

The Fijian Drua have found their next head coach in current assistant Glen Jackson, the team announced on Monday.

The team, currently sitting eighth on the Super Rugby Pacific table, will farewell current head coach Mick Byrne at the end of the season as the former All Blacks and Wallabies skills coach assumes the top job with the Flying Fijians.

Jackson has both refereed and played at Super Rugby level, having also played in the Premiership with Saracens. The 48-year-old has plenty of international refereeing experience and was an assistant to Simon Raiwalui during last year's Rugby World Cup with Fiji.

“Glen has already made a tremendous contribution to the Drua since our inception in 2022," Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans said.

"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 full-time on conclusion of the current Super Rugby Pacific campaign.”

The promotion is made with a three-year contract and begins at the conclusion of the current season.

Jackson acknowledged Drua Chairman Brent Impey, the Board Directors and Management for their consideration and ultimately support for him during the selection process.

“I am grateful, humbled by the opportunity and the responsibility is not lost on me," he said.

"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 are in moulding good players and good people.

“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.”