The Fiji Airways Fijian Drua will host three and play four games in Australia in the 2019 National Rugby Championship.

Unlike in 2018 where they hosted four and played three away games, the defending champions will have to cope with extra travelling when the NRC kicks off on August 31.

It would be tight in the first four rounds where they will play Brisbane City first up at the GPS Rugby Club ground and return home to play Western Force at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on September 7.

In round three on September 14 they will play NSW Country at WIN Stadium at Wollongong before returning to host Sydney at Churchill Park, Lautoka on September 21.

This game kicks off at midday to allow fans to watch the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians first Rugby World Cup pool match which kicks off at 4.45pm at Sapporo Dome.

The NRC will also be used to trial two fascinating law variations for World Rugby.

Similar to league’s 40-20, the NRC will allow teams to try for a 50:22 kick, which would see a team given the lineout throw if they kick a ball from their half and find touch in their rivals’ quarter.

The law trial is hoped to create more space for more attacking play out wide, by forcing defending teams to drop wingers back.

The second law trial is designed to reward teams for good defence when they hold their rivals up over the try-line.

Currently the attacking team gets a five-metre scrum but in the NRC, the defending team will get a goal-line drop out and be able to relieve pressure.

The ball will be required to travel at least five metres, meaning there is likely to be a new line marking on the field.

2019 FIJIAN DRUA NRC FIXTURES

Round 1: August 31  Brisbane City v Fiji Drua, GPS Rugby Club, Brisbane

Round 2: September  7- Fiji Drua v Western Force, ANZ Stadium, Suva

Round 3: September 14 NSW Country v Fiji Drua,  WIN Stadium, Wollongong.

Round 4: September 21:  Fiji Drua v Sydney Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Round 5: September 28: Canberra Vikings v Fiji Drua,Viking Park, Canberra

Round 6: October 5 Melbourne Rising v Fiji Drua, Casey Fields, Melbourne.

Round 7: Fiji Drua v Queensland Country Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

Semi-Final: 19 October – 1st v 4th; Sunday 20 October – 2nd v 3rd*;

Final: October 26

Edited by Aansilini Natoga 

Feedback:  oseab@fijisun.com.fj