Rugby and pageantry converged at the Fijian Drua’s home base in Nadi, as contestants from this year’s Miss Pacific Islands Pageant paid a visit ahead of the Drua’s much-anticipated Super Rugby Pacific match against Moana Pasifika, scheduled for this Saturday.
The seven contestants, along with the reigning queen, received a warm welcome from the club’s general manager of rugby, Baden Stephenson, general manager of commercial affairs, Shane Hussein, and head of sales, Josefa Vanuaca.
Reflecting on their experience, reigning Miss Pacific Islands Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan shared her appreciation for learning about the Drua’s rich history and the values that the club represents. “Navigating our Blue Continent ties us together as Pacific people,” Ieremia-Allan said, emphasizing themes of resilience and cultural preservation. “We need to remember our stories and allow that to push us forward.”
Ieremia-Allan, who was a former rugby player herself, reminisced about her days on the field with notable former Fijian Drua Women players such as Jade Coates.
Shane Hussein also highlighted the Drua’s unique identity within the competitive landscape of Super Rugby, demonstrating how the team embraces its cultural heritage while showcasing its rugby prowess. He noted the significance of the Drua’s pre-match war challenge, “Na Bole,” as a manifestation of this cultural pride.
The visit comes just before the Drua’s first Super Rugby match of the season against Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park in Lautoka, taking place at 3:30 PM. Following the match, the contestants and Ieremia-Allan will engage in a meet-and-greet, before returning to Nadi for the crowning ceremony that evening at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island.
This intersection of sports and culture not only promotes the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands but also creates an atmosphere of unity and celebration, enhancing the excitement around the upcoming match.