The Fijian Drua has exciting news for fans as they unveil a lineup of curtain raiser matches featuring the Drua Development team during the first three home games of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
Supporters attending the matches against Moana Pasifika on February 14, Hurricanes on February 28, and Brumbies on March 14 will have the opportunity to enjoy additional rugby action with the Drua Development squad competing against Australian Fijians, Malolo, and Ba Rugby as part of the pre-match festivities.
These curtain raiser events offer incredible value, allowing fans to experience two matches for the price of one. The Drua Development team will feature promising young talent and other members from the broader squad, showcasing the future of Fijian rugby.
Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani, the head coach of the Fijian Drua Development, emphasized the importance of these matches for player development, stating that providing game time is crucial for the team to gain valuable match exposure. He noted that facing strong opponents will not only help the younger players enhance their skills but also build much-needed experience.
“The fixtures present a valuable opportunity for the Development Squad to gain much-needed match exposure. Securing game time for the squad is a priority and three quality matches lined up against strong opposition will help our younger players build experience,” Nadolo-Kuridrani remarked.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to make the most of the day’s rugby excitement, starting with curtain raiser matches at 12:30 PM before the main Super Rugby Pacific fixtures kick off at 3:30 PM.
The schedule for the first three home matches at Churchill Park, Lautoka, is as follows:
– February 14: 12:30 PM – Drua Development vs Australian Fijians (AFRU) Under 20, 3:30 PM – Swire Shipping Fijian Drua vs Moana Pasifika
– February 28: 12:30 PM – Drua Development vs Malolo Rugby, 3:30 PM – Swire Shipping Fijian Drua vs Hurricanes
– March 14: 12:30 PM – Drua Development vs Ba Rugby, 3:30 PM – Swire Shipping Fijian Drua vs Brumbies.
This initiative not only enhances the overall matchday experience but also contributes significantly to the growth and development of local rugby talent, offering a promising future for the sport in Fiji.