Fijian Drua appoint championship-winning coach Brad Mooar

The Fijian Drua men's team has secured Brad Mooar, a highly regarded New Zealand coach, to lead them as head coach for a two-year term. Mooar's appointment, effective ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, follows an extensive international search conducted by Fijian Drua and Fiji Rugby officials.

Mooar brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as an assistant coach with the Crusaders, the All Blacks, and Scotland. His background includes significant success at both the Super Rugby and international levels. Drua CEO Jeff Miller highlighted Mooar's selection as a pivotal moment for the club, noting that he emerged as the top candidate from a competitive pool of applicants.

"Brad stood out through his technical and tactical knowledge, his experience in championship-winning environments, his understanding of player development and, importantly, his ability to build strong relationships," Miller stated. He added that Mooar presented a clear vision for cultivating a unique Fijian rugby style that can consistently perform in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

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Brad stood out through his technical and tactical knowledge, his experience in championship-winning environments, his understanding of player development and, importantly, his ability to build strong relationships.

Mooar expressed his honor and excitement about the opportunity to coach Fijian players and contribute to the nation's rugby future. "It’s a tremendous honor to be given the opportunity to lead the Drua and coach Fiji’s team in Super Rugby Pacific," he said. "I believe there are enormous opportunities for us to play a special brand of rugby that is successful, entertaining and inspiring. We want to inspire the country, win championships and continue to grow our people and the game in Fiji."

Mooar's coaching career includes helping the Crusaders win three consecutive Super Rugby titles from 2017 to 2019. He also coached the Welsh club Scarlets before joining the All Blacks coaching staff and contributing to Scotland's campaigns in the 2023 Six Nations and Rugby World Cup. The 50-year-old coach is set to officially begin his duties with the Drua in September, focusing on preparations for the 2027 pre-season. The club anticipates further announcements regarding the rest of the men's coaching staff in the coming months.

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It’s a tremendous honor to be given the opportunity to lead the Drua and coach Fiji’s team in Super Rugby Pacific. I believe there are enormous opportunities for us to play a special brand of rugby that is successful, entertaining and inspiring. We want to inspire the country, win championships and continue to grow our people and the game in Fiji.