Flying Fijians legend Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani has taken up a brand new place forward of the 2026 Tremendous Rugby Pacific season, tipped to “ have a big influence” on the Fijian Drua after becoming a member of the membership as a improvement coach.
Nadolo-Kuridrani performed 30 Take a look at matches for the Flying Fijians throughout some of the embellished, achieved and memorable particular person careers within the nationwide group’s historical past, with the utility again scoring greater than 240 factors.
After beginning out as an inside centre at worldwide degree earlier than shifting to the wing, Nadolo-Kuridrani rapidly turned some of the recognisable gamers in Fiji’s squad, finally ending up because the group’s second-highest try-scorer and fourth all-time level scorer.
The 37-year-old’s profession at membership degree included some well-known stints all over the world, together with 39 appearances for the Crusaders. Nadolo-Kuridrani additionally represented the NSW Waratahs, Leicester Tiges, Montpellier, NEC Inexperienced Rockets Tokatsu, and two video games for the Barbarians.
Nadolo-Kuridrani’s final skilled rugby match was for Leicester, defeating Northampton Saints 27-14 within the England Premiership semi-finals. After transferring into commentary, Nadolo-Kuridrani has featured usually on the printed of Fijian Drua house matches.
“We’re thrilled to deliver Nemani into the Drua teaching group for 2026. He’ll fulfill a vital position as our improvement coach,” Baden Stephenson, Fijian Drua Normal Supervisor Rugby, stated in a press release.
“We have now nice confidence that Nemani may have a big influence and may also help progress our very gifted improvement gamers into Drua Tremendous Rugby Pacific gamers and hopefully subsequent technology Flying Fijians.
“Nemani could be very passionate to present again and share his huge information and expertise.”
Nadolo-Kuridrani performed a handful of matches for Australia U20s in 2008, after graduating from prestigious highschool St Joseph’s Nudgee School. The highly effective ball-carrier’s skilled profession began in France, earlier than becoming a member of Exeter Chiefs after which transferring to Japan.
After signing with the Crusaders, Nadolo-Kuridrani loved an iconic interval on the membership which spanned greater than 35 matches and included 27 tries. Nadolo-Kuridrani would later go to the 2015 Males’s Rugby World Cup with the Flying Fijians.
“It’s an incredible honour to affix the Drua Vuvale as the brand new improvement coach,” Nadolo-Kuridrani defined.
“Having been near the group surroundings by means of my commentary work over the previous few years, I’ve all the time dreamed of being a part of the Drua household. To now start my teaching journey with such a proud franchise really means lots.
“I’m grateful to Glen, Baden, and Mark for believing in me and giving me this chance. I intend to repay that religion by means of laborious work and dedication.
“The Drua is greater than a group — it’s a logo of delight and inspiration for our individuals throughout the islands. I’m trying ahead to serving to nurture younger expertise, instil constructive habits, and strengthen the identification that makes the Drua so particular.”
