Drua find new home edge in Ba

Ba Town Council special administrator Yogesh Naidu says 4R Stadium is shaping up to become the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s newest fortress.

His comments follow the side’s memorable victory over the Brumbies in the venue’s inaugural Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match.

Naidu said the response from fans in Ba and across the country had been overwhelming, with supporters turning out in large numbers to create an electric atmosphere.

Fijian Drua general manager commercial Shane Hussein described the atmosphere during the Brumbies match as “outstanding”.

“The vanua of Ba has welcomed the Drua with open arms, and we are grateful for their support,” Hussein said.

“The match-day atmosphere during our first game was outstanding, and we expect the same for our second match against the Highlanders.

“We also thank the Ba Town Council for its support and cooperation in preparing 4R Stadium at Govind Park for international rugby.”

Sell-out crowd at Govind Park’s 4R Stadium in Ba during Fijian Drua’s clash against Brumbies in March.

Photo: Supplied

Hussein said hosting Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific required significant venue preparations, and Ba had shown a strong willingness to work with the Drua franchise.

Meanwhile, Naidu said the energy from the crowd was remarkable and the players thrived on that support.

“The feedback we have received has been very positive. It shows how passionate people in the Western Division are about rugby and the Drua,” he said.

The Drua now shift focus to a crucial clash against the Highlanders as they push for a Super Rugby Pacific playoff spot.

Naidu said preparations at the stadium had gone smoothly, with the turf maintained in excellent condition ahead of another expected large turnout.

A bigger crowd is anticipated this weekend, with fans eager to support the Drua in another key home match.

The stadium, with a seating capacity of more than 9000 — nearly double that of the current venue in Suva — has already provided a boost to rugby supporters and the local economy.

Naidu said the previous match benefited food vendors, shops and small businesses as thousands travelled to Ba.

“We are hoping more games will be brought to Ba next season because the support has been outstanding,” he said.

He is calling on fans across Fiji to turn out in numbers again and help transform 4R Stadium into a sea of Drua colours.