Fijian Drua rewarded ahead of ‘ground-breaking’ Super Rugby Pacific season

Fijian Drua will be hosting an increased total of seven matches during the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season in a massive boost for their passionate fans.

The side will play host to the Crusaders, Waratahs, Western Force, Hurricanes, Moana Pasifika, Reds and Melbourne Rebels in their third season in the competition.

Five of the seven matches will be played in Lautoka’s Churchill Park with the other two taking place at the National Stadium in Suva.

Drua chief executive Mark Evans admits it would have been ideal to host more of the games in Suva but this is not possible due to maintenance on the athletics track.

Arrangements being made

Evans confirmed the club is looking to make it easier for the team’s fans to be able to attend the games in Lautoka.

“We would, of course, have liked to have more than two matches in Suva for our fans in the Central Division, but the stadium is simply not available,” Evans said.

“We understand they may be disappointed at this development and are working to make it easier for them to attend matches in the West.

“We are in active discussions with bus companies to create travel and match ticket packages with the Drua, so fans from Suva, Naitasiri, Tailevu, Lami and Pacific Harbour can make it a day trip to Lautoka.

“Three of the matches will kick off at 1pm which helps fans to make the trip to watch their Drua take on some of the world’s most exciting players right here in Fiji.”

Exciting times

Evans underlined how exciting the season ahead is for the team not only because more games are being played in Fiji but also because of how the team will benefit from Rugby World Cup experience after a standout tournament in France.

“It’s going to be another ground-breaking season for the Drua. We’ll play more matches in Fiji than we’ve ever played,” he said.

“We have a squad that has 20 Flying Fijians players, 18 of whom with Rugby World Cup experience now.

“We will play the defending champions the Crusaders at home, welcome first timers to Fiji in the NSW Waratahs and the Western Force and a large number of rugby stars.

“We also host our first Friday night match against the Hurricanes in Suva, which will undoubtedly be appealing for those in the Capital city. All of this in front of the world’s best rugby fans.

“Our fans are the biggest advantage the Drua have and we look forward to delighting them both on and off the field.

“With entertainment, music, food and heaps of fun, there will never be a dull moment at a Drua home game on or off the field. We can’t wait for 2024!”

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