The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is gearing up for an exciting season ahead in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition, with their home games set to play a pivotal role in their success. General Manager for Commercial Affairs, Shane Hussein, has shared his enthusiasm about the newly confirmed venues for the 2026 season, namely Churchill Park in Lautoka and Four R Electrical, Govind Park in Ba. The Drua will be facing formidable opponents, including the Western Force and the Highlanders, in these upcoming matches.
Hussein underscored the importance of home advantage, noting that playing in familiar territory significantly boosts a team’s chances of success. He commented, “Home game locations play a huge role with successes of not just the Drua but every team.” This perspective is backed by the Drua’s historical performance, which has shown a notable increase in victories at home, particularly at Churchill Park, known affectionately as “The Fortress.”
Last month, Govind Park enjoyed a successful outing as it hosted the FMF Inter-District Championship, drawing in over 13,000 fans for the grand final. This event not only showcased the passion of local rugby fans but also set the groundwork for the Drua’s highly anticipated matches next year, aiming to attract both local support and a broader television audience.
With the official fixtures now established, Hussein expressed that the team can move forward with planning for these crucial matches. “Having our home games now decided for 2026 allows our team, our players, and our coaching staff to plan for the season ahead. It’s a very exciting time,” he stated.
The Drua’s campaign is set to begin on February 14 with a home match against Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park. This opening match offers a fantastic opportunity for the team to capitalize on their home-field advantage right from the start, as they seek to gain momentum early in the season.
With their solid home performance and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming fixtures, the Fijian Drua is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the league while continuing to nurture the flourishing rugby culture in Fiji. Enthusiastic fans and supporters can look forward to an electrifying season filled with potential and promise.