Rugby and cultural celebration met at the Fijian Drua’s home ground in Nadi as the contestants of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant visited ahead of the highly anticipated Super Rugby Pacific match against Moana Pasifika this Saturday.
The seven contestants, accompanied by reigning queen Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan, were warmly welcomed by the Drua’s general manager of rugby Baden Stephenson, general manager of commercial affairs Shane Hussein, and head of sales Josefa Vanuaca. Ieremia-Allan expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn about the Drua’s rich heritage and the core values it represents. She noted, “Navigating our Blue Continent ties us together as Pacific people,” while emphasizing the importance of resilience and the preservation of cultural narratives, urging the need to remember their stories as a driving force.
A former rugby player herself, Ieremia-Allan recalled fond memories of her time on the field, mentioning her connections with former Fijian Drua Women players such as Jade Coates. This connection underscores the fusion of sports and community in the Pacific Islands.
Shane Hussein remarked on the Drua’s distinctive identity within Super Rugby, highlighting the team’s commitment to its cultural roots alongside its athletic excellence. He pointed out the cultural significance of the Drua’s pre-match war challenge, “Na Bole,” which symbolizes their pride and heritage.
The contestants’ visit occurs just before the Drua’s opening match of the season against Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park in Lautoka, set to kick off at 3:30 PM. After the game, there will be a meet-and-greet session with the contestants and Ieremia-Allan before they return to Nadi for the crowning ceremony later that evening at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island.
This blending of sports with cultural pride not only highlights the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands but also fosters a sense of unity and celebration, generating excitement in the lead-up to the match. The event exemplifies the spirit of community and resilience, which are integral to the identity of the Pacific peoples.