Rugby fans in the country are urged to support the Swire Fijian Drua side by purchasing a ticket in their Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Highlanders at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, on April 30.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Drua franchise chief executive officer, Brian Thorburn, said they need to have a sell-out crowd in Suva.

He highlighted that they understood the fact that most Fijians always leave it to the last minute to buy their tickets.

“We need to change all that for now,” Thorburn said.

“To get a game of such magnitude to Suva, is not cheap and we need the support of all Fijians to make this happen.”

Thorburn says they are keeping a review of the ticket sales and looking at their options, as well.

One of the options, he said, is to delay the TV coverage of the match by two hours. That means there will be no live coverage.

“There were sell-out crowds during their 2018 and 2019 Super Rugby games in Suva but both were overseas teams.

“Now we’ve a Fijian team, so fans must come out to support them by buying a ticket.

“The ticket prices for the April 30 game are much cheaper than the ones sold in 2018 and 2019.”

Thorburn said the Drua side who in their first Super Rugby year have been performing remarkably well.

The Mick Byrne-coached side have won one match and lost six. They took defending Super AU champions Reds and Western Force to the wire.

“Everyone got together last November, unfit players and inexperienced with Baden Kerr, the only player with Super Rugby experience.

“But look at how these Fijian boys have progressed and it’s only fair that they get the support of their fans.”

The Drua’s participation in Super Rugby has opened the doors for local-based players to sign up contracts and rub shoulders with the world’s best players in the Southern Hemisphere.

The local-based players who are making headlines in this year’s Super Rugby competition are Vinaya Habosi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Apisalome Vota, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Tevita Ikanivere, Tifagalele Sorovakatini and Napolioni Bolaca.

Thorburn said they are putting together a number of activities, the week leading up to the April 30 game in Suva.

“The Drua stand a good chance of beating the Highlanders and we buy tickets as a show of support.

“Tickets are available at 51 Post Fiji outlets throughout the country and the Fiji Sports Council as well,” he added.