Fijian Drua confirm coach Glen Jackson to leave at season’s end

The Fijian Drua have confirmed head coach Glen Jackson will leave the club at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Jackson’s contract included an option to extend for another year, but both parties have agreed not to take it up.

The 50-year-old former Chiefs playmaker joined the Drua in their inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign, initially serving as an assistant coach before taking over as head coach in 2025.

A former professional flyhalf, he played and coached in England and New Zealand before moving into the Fiji setup.

Jackson featured for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and Saracens in England where he made more than 100 appearances.

He also represented the Māori All Blacks and the Barbarians during his career.

After retiring from playing, he moved into refereeing, going on to officiate at Super Rugby and international level before later returning to coaching.

Drua chief executive Jeff Miller paid tribute to his contribution.

Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson at a team training session during the Super Rugby Pacific season. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

“Glen has been a part of the Drua journey since Day One and we thank him for his enormous contribution for the past five years - three as Assistant Coach and two as Head Coach,” Miller announced on Tuesday.

“He helped lay the foundations of this new Club and the team for which we are all truly grateful.

“There will be time for more acknowledgement and sharing fond memories, but for now, Glen and the entire Club are firmly focused on the remainder of the season,” Miller said.

Jackson stepped into the head coaching role after Mick Byrne moved into the national team set-up.

The club says it will begin the search for a new head coach in the coming days.

Jackson said it had been a special experience working with the team and supporters.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to the Drua players, staff, and sponsors for an incredible five years of my life,” he said in a statement.

“It has been an amazing journey helping this great club continue to grow and strive to be one of the most supportive clubs in Super Rugby Pacific. The fans are truly the best in the world, and I will miss their incredible voice and unwavering support.

“I have enormous belief in this playing group, the staff, and the direction the club is heading.

"With six games remaining, I will do everything I can, alongside three outstanding assistant coaches, to give this team the best possible chance of reaching the playoffs.”

The Drua currently sit ninth on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, eight points outside the top six playoff places.

They face the Brumbies at 9.30pm (NZT) this Friday at the GIO Stadium in Canberra.