Fijian Drua General Manager, Nico Andrade who was part of the foundation team of the franchise has announced his departure.
He will shortly leave the club to take up another opportunity and return to his family in Brisbane.
Fijian Drua chief executive Mark Evans said: “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.”
“He will be missed by his many friends here at the Drua and will always be welcome back. His contribution to the growth of Fijian rugby in the last six years has been immense. We wish him the very best in his next role.”
“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.”
Andrade added: “To the Players and Staff that I have worked with throughout my time, thank you for welcoming me with open arms to Fiji and trusting me with such an important project. To Mark and the wider Fijian Drua organisation I wish you all the best and know the best is yet to come. Vinaka Vakalevu and Sota Tale!”
The Fijian Drua has appointed former Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson as Interim General Manager Rugby, 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.
Evans added: “We are very happy to confirm the appointment of Baden Stephenson as Interim GM. Baden is a senior professional sports executive with 25 years of experience as a player, Head Coach, General Manager and CEO. 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.”
Stephenson said: “I am really looking forward to working with Mark and the Fijian Drua. It is a great opportunity to learn and embrace a different culture. You can’t help but be drawn to the exciting rugby that the Drua play, the passionate fan base and the quality people involved at the Club. I’m very excited for the new challenge.”
Stephenson officially starts his new role on 8 April.
