The success of the Drua in Australia’s National Rugby Championship shows Fiji could field a competitive team in Super Rugby, according to former Waratahs coach Chris Hickey.
Hickey is a coaching consultant for the Drua in their maiden NRC season, and it’s fair to say the Fijians have exceeded expectations.
In five games so far, the Drua have beaten Melbourne and both of the 2016 finalists, NSW Country and Perth.
Where Perth and Melbourne are extensions of their Super Rugby programs, the Drua have no professionals.
Hickey said all credit to the Australian Rugby Union for issuing them an invitation, because it will be a big step to the development of the game to a higher level in Fiji, and help create a pathway for players in Fiji through to the national side.
There have been calls for a Pacific Island team to be part of Super Rugby, in whatever shape it takes in future years.
Hickey, who was asked by Flying Fijians coach John McKee to help Drua coach Senirusi Seruvakula, said the NRC experience proves it could happen.
Hickey said playing in the final in their first year in the NRC would be an amazing achievement for the Drua.
The Greater Sydney Rams will host the Drua at 4pm tomorrow.
Source: dailytelegraph
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