The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have unveiled a groundbreaking initiative that aims to deepen their connection with local rugby by organizing a pre-season trial match against a Provincial Select XV, which will feature top players from Fiji’s provincial competitions. This historic event is scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2026, at Churchill Park in Lautoka, marking the first occasion the Drua will face a team solely composed of local talent.
The idea for this match was presented by Head Coach Glen Jackson during the Fiji Rugby Union Symposium on August 25, 2025. Jackson envisions the fixture as a significant step toward promoting homegrown talent and aligning the Drua more closely with the national rugby framework.
Naca Cawanibuka, Fiji Rugby’s General Manager for High Performance, emphasized that this match underscores the collaboration between the Drua and Fiji Rugby, focusing on developing local players. Jackson echoed this sentiment, expressing his enthusiasm for the match, which he considers a long-awaited dream becoming a reality.
“It’s been a long time coming, and I’m grateful to Fiji Rugby for getting on board with this idea,” Jackson stated. “Fiji versus Fiji presents a unique challenge, but it’s the perfect preparation ahead of facing Moana Pasifika in our Super Rugby season opener. I hope the Lautoka and Western community comes out in large numbers for what is set to be a fantastic occasion.”
This pre-season match serves not only as a buildup for the Drua’s participation in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season but also offers fans the chance to see a clash between Fiji’s elite professional players and grassroots talent. Fans can anticipate further details regarding ticket prices and match-day information to be released in the coming months, offering them an opportunity to engage with local rugby in an exciting new format.
This initiative complements ongoing efforts to incorporate more local elements into the Drua’s preparations. In recent discussions, Jackson has expressed a desire for all pre-season matches to be played in Fiji, further strengthening the relationship between the Drua and Fiji’s provincial rugby teams. The proposed match against the Provincial Select XV is seen as a pivotal moment, fostering a sense of community and reinforcing the pathway for aspiring rugby stars in Fiji.
As the Drua prepare for their fourth season in the Super Rugby Pacific, this match represents a hopeful and exciting development, promising a thrilling spectacle for fans and a robust test for players as they gear up for competitive rugby ahead.