Super Rugby Pacific will lose its fourth head coach at the end of the season after it was announced that Glen Jackson is set to step down as Fijian Drua boss.
The 50-year-old former Chiefs and Saracens fly-half, who tried his hand at refereeing before switching to coaching, has been with the Drua for the past five campaigns.
Jackson was an assistant to Mick Byrne for three years before taking over the top job after the latter was appointed Fiji head coach, and has remained in situ ever since.
Amazing journey
But this season will be his last in charge of the team after it was announced he will be stepping down, ending an “amazing journey” with the Super Rugby Pacific outfit.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to the Drua players, staff and sponsors for an incredible five years of my life,” Jackson revealed via the Drua‘s social channels.
“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.”
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Fijian Drua currently sit in ninth position on the table and are unlikely to make the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs after registering just three wins out of eight matches.
However, Jackson is confident in the future of the Drua and believes they are heading in the right direction as he paid tribute to the club and also looked to finish strong.
“I have enormous belief in this playing group, the staff, and the direction the club is heading,” he said.
“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 play-offs.”
Coaching departures
The former Bay of Plenty and Maori All Blacks number 10 is the fourth Super Rugby Pacific head coach to depart at the end of the campaign, with his destination unknown.
Moana Pasifika boss Tana Umaga will leave for the All Blacks, Reds head coach Les Kiss is joining the Wallabies, while Vern Cotter (Blues) is taking Kiss’s post in Brisbane.
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