Editorial: Why Fiji must continue backing the Fijian Drua

With the future of Moana Pasifika’s participation in Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific uncertain, support for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has never been more important.

As a rugby-mad nation, Fiji waited 25 years before securing a Super Rugby licence in late 2021, paving the way for the Drua’s debut in the competition in 2022.

The emergence of the Drua has provided a major boost for local rugby by creating a professional pathway for home-based players.

Young talent no longer needs to move overseas to experience a professional environment, with opportunities now available closer to their families and communities.

The Drua’s state-of-the-art facility in Legalega, Nadi, has become a breeding ground for emerging players, many identified through the Skipper Cup Under-20 competition, Fiji Under-20 side and the Vodafone Deans Trophy competition.

This season, promising youngsters such as Sairusi Ravudi, Isikeli Basiyalo, Iosefo Namoce and Maika Tuitubou made their Super Rugby debuts. Ravudi and Basiyalo scored tries on debut, while Namoce and Tuitubou delivered strong performances.

They have added depth to a young core that already includes Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Philip Baselala, Isikeli Rabitu, Motikiai Murray, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Tuwai, Kavaia Tagivetaua and Kitione Salawa.

The younger players have benefited from the guidance of experienced campaigners Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Temo Mayanavanua, Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Fines-Leleiwasa, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Virimi Vakatawa.

After gaining Super Rugby experience, many players have secured lucrative contracts with European clubs, creating opportunities for the next generation of local talent to step into the system.

Players who have moved overseas include Vinaya Habosi, Onisi Ratave, Livai Natave, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Caleb Muntz and Leone Rotuisolia. Elia Canakaivata, Ponipate Loganimasi and Joji Nasova are expected to join them next season.

The Drua’s impact extends beyond rugby. Since 2022, the men’s team has played home matches in Suva, Lautoka and Ba before large crowds, turning venues into fortress arenas.

Matches are broadcast live to more than 360,000 local devices and viewed by more than half the country’s population. Drua-related tourism, advertising, merchandise and hospitality reportedly injected FJ$108 million into Fiji’s economy last year.

The challenge now is for Fijians to continue supporting the Drua in every way possible — whether by buying tickets to home games or purchasing club merchandise.

Support from the business community also remains critical to the club’s growth and long-term survival.

Fans now have another opportunity to show that support when the Drua host the NSW Waratahs in their final Super Rugby home game at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday.