The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have relocated to Gold Coast for Rounds 7 and 8 because of challenges associated with adverse weather conditions in northern New South Wales.
Rising water levels caused the Lake Ainsworth Sport & Rec Centre – the team’s base camp for the season – to close and on-site residents including Drua squad and staff to evacuate. The Drua moved out of camp late yesterday to relocate on the Gold Coast while continuing preparations for Rounds 7 and 8.
CEO Brian Thorburn said: “With our camp closing due to operational issues caused by the rising water levels, we had no choice but to move to the Gold Coast for the next 10 days. It was challenging to move almost 55 people with just a few hours’ notice, but we have managed to find suitable accommodation with training facilities nearby for our entire squad of players and staff. Of course, our situation pales in comparison to those folks in Northern NSW and the Northern Rivers region, as they brace themselves for yet more adversity. Our thoughts are with them.”
Meanwhile, Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Mick Byrne is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID. He won’t be with the team in the Gold Coast for Friday night’s Round 7 match against the Waratahs.
Thorburn said: “Mick is clearly gutted not to be with the team but remains in good spirits as he completes his recovery and self-isolation period. He continues to call the shots, of course, and the players are in the very capable hands of our coaching and management staff. Mick will join the team once cleared by the medical staff. This is just a minor bump in the road compared to everything else we’ve faced in our inaugural season.”
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua take on the Waratahs at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on April 1st, before taking on the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 9th April.
