The revised Super Rugby Pacific draw released today sees the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua take on the Waratahs in their historic first match.

The away match to the Waratahs will mark the Drua’s Super Rugby Pacific debut, fulfilling Fiji’s professional club rugby vision after 25 years.

The Club has also today confirmed hosting at least one match in Fiji in 2022, and is evaluating prospects for another.

The Fijian Drua will face the Waratahs, Brumbies and Rebels twice, and the Reds, Force, Blues, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Moana Pasifika, Crusader and Chiefs once.

Fijian Drua CEO Brian Thorburn said: “We’re excited to get the revised schedule confirmed so we can get on to locking in our home matches and logistics for the first season.”

“It’s still quite thrilling for us as we look forward to our Super Rugby debut.”

“Naturally, we respect that ongoing border closures have necessitated the re-draw for our first season.”

“The updated schedule to have Australian and NZ based teams play local derbies until Round 10 (starting 22 April) is the best possible option under the circumstances.”

Thorburn added: “We now play the Waratahs away in our first match on Friday 18 February, with the venue to be confirmed by NSW Rugby.”

“Our team is calling on all Fijians and Fiji fans who can make it to our first match in New South Wales to come in numbers, to show their support.”

“Clearly we would want to make a statement both on and off the field, and the support and prayers of our fans and supporters will make all the difference for our players.”

“I’m also proud that we will deliver on our commitment to bring the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua home to Fiji in 2022, and we are able to confirm one match at this stage.”

Fijian fans, sponsors and stakeholders will see their Drua take on the Waratahs at ANZ Stadium in Suva on 1 April.

The Waratahs are building up a great squad for the 2022 season, and they’ll be an excellent team for our Fijian Drua players to take on in front of their families, friends and home fans.

The Tahs have big names like Wallaby captain Michael Hooper and Wallabies’ Angus Bell, Jake Gordon, Lachlan Swinton, and Izaia Perese.

They have their own Fijian flavour as well with Mark Nawaqanitawase and Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco in their squad.

So it’ll be a homecoming of sorts as well for these players of Fijian roots.”

“We’ll welcome the Tahs and their supporters to Fiji for the first time ever, and look forward to showcasing Fiji as a fantastic sporting and events destination.”

“We are still evaluating prospects for another match to be hosted in Fiji, which could either be against the Force in Round 5 (March 19), the Highlanders in Round 11 (30 April) or the Chiefs in Round 15 (27 May).”

“Border restrictions and other commercial considerations will be a factor, and we’ll make announcements in due course after these ongoing evaluations.”

Thorburn says the Drua will finalise all other home venues for 2022 (in Australia) shortly against the Rebels, Brumbies, Highlanders, Moana Pasifika and the Chiefs.

Ticket details will be released in January, giving our fans plenty of time to plan for travel and attendance around the matches.

“Each home game offers us the opportunity to showcase our unique Fijian flair, culture and rugby heritage, as well as host amazing hospitality events and experiences.”

Interested stakeholders, suppliers and sponsors can be in touch with us to discuss potential partnership opportunities around these unique opportunities.

Our Club will work frantically in the coming weeks to finalise the necessary logistics for all the home and away matches, taking into account travel requirements for the team week in, week out.”

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s maiden Super Rugby Pacific season is as follows:

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj