Former Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson is the new Fijian Drua General Manager – Rugby and replaces Nico Andrade who was part of the foundation team of the franchise.
In a statement by Fijian Drua today, CEO Mark Evans commended Andrade on the achievements made so far for the club.
“From Day 1 this has been more than just a job – it’s been part of building something that has not only created history but laid the foundation for the future success of Fijian Rugby. Rugby World Cup 2023 showed the short-term results and I can’t wait to see what can be achieved in the next 5-10 years by both the Men’s and Women’s programs.”
““Nico has been an integral and important member of the Fijian Drua since the Club’s inception. We are very sad to have to bid him farewell, but happy that he is returning home to Brisbane with his young family.
Evans confirmed that Stephenson’s interim appointment is to ensure there are no disruptions to the Club’s 2024 season of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific and Buildcorp Super Rugby Women competitions.
“He has worked in Japan and across Australia and is very well versed with the requirements of Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women. With both seasons concurrently in full swing, it was important that we have someone of Baden’s capability to lead the management groups of both the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men’s and Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s teams.”
