The Fijian Drua have confirmed the appointment of former Chiefs and Bay of Plenty first-five Glen Jackson as head coach for the 2025 season and beyond.
Jackson has served as an assistant to Mick Byrne, who will leave to take over the Fijian national side at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
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Jackson has signed a three-year deal with the Drua, having recently gone to the 2023 Rugby World Cup with Fiji as an assistant coach.
“I am grateful, humbled by the opportunity and the responsibility is not lost on me. I have learnt a lot and I am very passionate about the Fijian culture," Jackson said in a statement.
"My time at the Flying Fijians and Drua has shown me how powerful the Fijian culture, community and passion 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.”
Jackon, 48, played 60 matches for the Chiefs in Super Rugby, and for Bay of Plenty in the NPC, between 1999 and 2004, before moving to England and playing 130 times for Saracens over five seasons.
The former Maori All Black moved into officiating after his playing career was over, becoming the first New Zealander to play in and referee more then 100 first-class matches. He hung up his whistle and moved into coaching in 2019.
Drua CEO Mark Evans backed Jackson to step up as Byrne makes the next step in his career.
"Glen has already made a tremendous contribution to the Drua since our inception in 2022," Evans said. "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."
The Drua currently hold the eighth and final playoffs spot, with a 5-0-7 record, in the Super Rugby Pacific standings, with two rounds remaining.