Buy A Ticket For Drua

Fijian rugby supporters are being urged to buy game tickets to support the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in their first Super Rugby Pacific home match against the Highlanders at Suva’s ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

Fijian Drua chief executive officer Brian Thorburn said yesterday ticket sales was sluggish.

“I was informed on Tuesday night that less than 5000 tickets have been sold. We need 15,000 people at the ANZ Stadium on Saturday to cheer on the Drua side,” he said.

During a Fijian Media Association (FMA) organised ‘Meet the Drua’ session at Albert Park in Suva, yes­terday, local-based players – Chris Minimbi and Tevita Ikanivere – spoke on how playing for the Drua was a game changer not only in their sporting careers but in their studies as well.

“We’re grateful to USP (University of South Pacific) for allowing us to continue with our studies. We’ve been doing two units per semester and sitting our exams online.”

Minimbi, in encouraging young players wanting to follow their foot­steps, said they need to value their education.

“You must work hard in school. It’s important to have a good educa­tion and become a quick learner,” the Naitasiri lock said.

Minimbi was dux of Marist Broth­ers High School in Suva in 2017, and headboy in his final year in 2018.

Ikanivere is urging young players to give their best in whatever they do.

“God not only hears prayers, but he answers them as well. Always wait for God’s time.”

The Suva hooker said he had no intention of continuing his rugby career after leaving school.

“I was studying at USP and got a call from Master Bill (Gadolo) to start training because there were lots of injuries in the (Fijian Under-20) team. I tried it out and stayed on. Now, I’m with the Drua, the word from home is for me to keep up with my studies.”

Fijian Drua reps Jone Koroiduadua (left), Baden Kerr and Zuriel Togiatama in Suva on April 27, 2022. Photo: Ronald Kumar

Head coach Mick Byrne said these young, talented players are fortu­nate to play in Super Rugby.

“When we first came together in camp, we decided to set our stand­ards and we divided them into groups. These young players were given leadership roles in ensur­ing that their group keep up to the standard set,” Bryne said.

The wily coach said they have been talking with the players as most of them could be offered con­tracts from other clubs around the world and, at the same time, give room for talented, aspiring local rugby players to join the Drua.

“Those who want to stay must work hard to keep their spot from the next group of talented players. But for me, I’ve challenged the boys that I’m looking forward to the day I shake hands with players who will take up a $1 million contract to play elsewhere.”

Meanwhile, the winners of the six Fiji Sun Fijian Drua ticket promo­tion were announced. Yesterday, Suva residents Sonny Kenny and Cema Tawai were present to re­ceive their tickets from Drua reps Baden Kerr, Jone Koroiduadua and Zuriel Togiatama.

The other match ticket winners will collect theirs on Saturday.

Ticket winners:

Sonny Kenny, Lot. 5 Caubati Road, Nasinu; Isoa Rabakoko, Flat 17, PRB Housing, Natokowaqa, Lauto­ka; Howard Nand, Wailoku, Tama­vua; Jaswant Lal, 12 Dilio Street, Samabula, Suva; Cema Tawai, Na­dera; and Salendra Prasad, Kabisi, Sigatoka.

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