Crusaders legend Nemani Nadolo, now known as Nadolo-Kuridrani, has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious rugby career. The former powerhouse winger, celebrated for his stints with Exeter Chiefs, NEC Green Rockets, Montpellier, and Leicester Tigers, has joined the Fijian Drua as their development coach for the Super Rugby Pacific 2026 season. After hanging up his boots, the 37-year-old, who tallied 242 points for Fiji on the international stage, is now set to mentor emerging talents in the Drua ranks.
The inclusion of Nadolo-Kuridrani into the Fijian Drua coaching staff has been met with enthusiasm and high expectations. Baden Stephenson, the general manager of rugby for the Drua, expressed his excitement about the new coaching addition.
"We are thrilled to bring Nemani into the Drua coaching team for 2026,"
he said.
"He will fulfill a very important role as our Development Coach. We have great confidence that Nemani will have a significant impact and can help progress our very talented development players into Drua Super Rugby Pacific players and hopefully next generation Flying Fijians. Nemani is very passionate to give back and share his vast knowledge and experience."
Nadolo-Kuridrani himself is eager to dive into his new role and give back to the sport that has given him so much.
"It’s a tremendous honour to join the Drua Vuvale as the new development coach,"
he remarked.
"Having been close to the team environment through my commentary work over the past few years, I’ve always dreamed of being part of the Drua family. To now begin my coaching journey with such a proud franchise truly means a lot. I’m grateful to Glen (Jackson), Baden, and Mark (Evans) for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I intend to repay that faith through hard work and commitment."
Nadolo-Kuridrani also emphasized the cultural and inspirational significance of the Drua to the Fijian people. He expressed his dedication to nurturing young talent, instilling positive habits, and reinforcing the identity that defines the Drua. The Drua, who finished last season tied at the 10th spot with the Highlanders, are keen to leverage Nadolo-Kuridrani's expertise to climb the ranks in the upcoming season starting February 2026.
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Crusaders legend Nemani Nadolo, now known as Nadolo-Kuridrani, has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious rugby career. The former powerhouse winger, celebrated for his stints with Exeter Chiefs, NEC Green Rockets, Montpellier, and Leicester Tigers, has joined the Fijian Drua as their development coach for the Super Rugby Pacific 2026 season. After hanging up his boots, the 37-year-old, who tallied 242 points for Fiji on the international stage, is now set to mentor emerging talents in the Drua ranks.
The inclusion of Nadolo-Kuridrani into the Fijian Drua coaching staff has been met with enthusiasm and high expectations. Baden Stephenson, the general manager of rugby for the Drua, expressed his excitement about the new coaching addition.
"We are thrilled to bring Nemani into the Drua coaching team for 2026,"
he said."He will fulfill a very important role as our Development Coach. We have great confidence that Nemani will have a significant impact and can help progress our very talented development players into Drua Super Rugby Pacific players and hopefully next generation Flying Fijians. Nemani is very passionate to give back and share his vast knowledge and experience."
Nadolo-Kuridrani himself is eager to dive into his new role and give back to the sport that has given him so much.
"It’s a tremendous honour to join the Drua Vuvale as the new development coach,"
he remarked."Having been close to the team environment through my commentary work over the past few years, I’ve always dreamed of being part of the Drua family. To now begin my coaching journey with such a proud franchise truly means a lot. I’m grateful to Glen (Jackson), Baden, and Mark (Evans) for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I intend to repay that faith through hard work and commitment."
Nadolo-Kuridrani also emphasized the cultural and inspirational significance of the Drua to the Fijian people. He expressed his dedication to nurturing young talent, instilling positive habits, and reinforcing the identity that defines the Drua. The Drua, who finished last season tied at the 10th spot with the Highlanders, are keen to leverage Nadolo-Kuridrani's expertise to climb the ranks in the upcoming season starting February 2026.