Ba gripped by Drua fever ahead of historic Super W final

Ba’s Four R Stadium is set to come alive once again as the McDonald’s Fijiana Drua prepare to take on the NSW Waratahs women in the Super Rugby Women’s final tomorrow.

In fact, this soccer-mad town is ready to prove it has become Fiji’s newest rugby fortress.

The stadium has already witnessed memorable Drua victories this season, and confidence is high that it can inspire another famous triumph on home soil.

For Ba Town Council special administrator Yogesh Naidu, the excitement surrounding the Drua has reached unprecedented levels.

“Every game the hype keeps growing,” Naidu said.

“You only have to walk around town to see more and more people proudly wearing Drua T-shirts.

“It shows the impact Super Rugby has had on the people of Ba.”

Traditionally known as the heartland of Fiji football, Ba has embraced the Drua with remarkable passion.

Naidu said support now cuts across all communities, with the Indo-Fijian population joining iTaukei fans in rallying behind the country’s premier women’s rugby team.

“The support has been incredible.

Since Ba was announced as the venue for the final, all we’ve been hearing is Drua.

“People have been calling constantly, asking where they can buy tickets and whether there are still seats available.”

Naidu is urging supporters from Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki and neighbouring districts to travel to Four R Stadium and create an unforgettable atmosphere for the Fijian Drua women.

“We want everyone to come out in numbers and pack the stadium.

“The girls deserve to play in front of a full house.”

Just a year ago, few would have imagined Super Rugby leaving such a lasting impression on a town synonymous with football.

Today, however, Ba has proudly adopted Drua as its own, with Four R Stadium fast earning a reputation as the franchise’s new fortress.

“If the home crowd has its way tomorrow, the Waratahs could become the latest scalp to fall in rugby’s newest stronghold