Maori All Blacks’ O’Keefe brings new coaching perspective to Fijian Drua

Clayton McMillan, recently confirmed as the Fijian Drua's new head coach for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, brings a formidable coaching pedigree. His arrival follows a tenure with the Maori All Blacks that culminated in a 38-31 victory last month against the Japan XV at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.

The appointment signals a significant step for the Drua, aiming to build on their foundational seasons within Super Rugby Pacific. McMillan’s background with the Maori All Blacks, an invitational rugby union team from New Zealand composed of players of Māori ancestry, offers a relevant blueprint for developing talent while maintaining a distinct cultural identity within a professional rugby context.

McMillan's Vision for Drua

McMillan emphasized his commitment to the Drua, stating he would do everything possible to help the club. His immediate focus involves establishing a robust core group of players, acknowledging that previous seasons saw significant squad turnover. "We need to be clear about who our core group of players is... that hasn't always been the case," McMillan reportedly said, hinting at a more settled approach for 2025.

This strategic shift is designed to foster greater consistency and cohesion within the team. The former Hurricanes assistant coach also highlighted the importance of strengthening the organization's overall structure, indicating a holistic approach to improvement beyond just on-field tactics.

McMillan recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities that come with coaching a Fijian team. He noted the team's ability to play "champagne rugby," a term often used to describe an expansive and exciting style of play characterized by flair and offloading. However, he also identified areas for development, particularly around set-piece execution and positional play.

His coaching philosophy suggests a blend of preserving the Fijian team's natural attacking prowess while instilling a greater tactical discipline. This balance is critical for competing consistently against established Super Rugby sides.

Impact of International Experience

McMillan's track record extends beyond the Maori All Blacks; he has also coached the Bay of Plenty Steamers and served as an assistant with the Chiefs in Super Rugby. This diverse experience provides him with a comprehensive understanding of both provincial and professional club rugby environments.

His time with the Maori All Blacks, in particular, demonstrates an ability to connect with and develop players from a specific cultural background, a skill directly transferable to the Fijian Drua. This connection is vital for maintaining team morale and identity.

The Maori All Blacks’ recent performance, despite being an invitational side, showcased McMillan’s capacity to prepare a team effectively against international opposition. This experience will be invaluable as the Drua continue to navigate the competitive landscape of Super Rugby Pacific. Readers interested in international rugby can find more sevens rugby coverage and other breaking news on our site.