Drua add another Fiji fixture to their Super Rugby schedule

The Fijian Drua and Gallagher Chiefs have announced their Round 15 fixture will now be played at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji, kicking off at 3pm NZT on Saturday May 28.

The fixture was initially scheduled to be played at CBUS Super Stadium in Robina but will now be played in the host’s home country to mark the first match the two sides have played against each other. The last match the Gallagher Chiefs played in Fiji was in 2019 when they defeated the Crusaders 40 – 27 in Suva.

A sell-out crowd of 15,102 witnessed the Fijian Drua play on home soil for the very first time last Saturday against the Highlanders. The match more than lived up to the hype and expectations, and preparations are already underway for the last regular season match between the Fijian Drua and the Gallagher Chiefs at Churchill Park.

Fijian Drua CEO Brian Thorburn said: “The Gallagher Chiefs are one of the leading sides in the competition and currently sit fourth on the ladder. With a squad featuring 12 All Blacks and names like Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber, Brodie Retallick and All Black Captain Sam Cane, they will be vying for a win to secure a home quarter-final. But the Drua will be out to spoil their party with the support of our vocal locals.”

Thorburn added “Given the popularity of the Chiefs in Fiji, as well as the Drua, I have no doubt that we’ll get another sell-out, and we will do everything we can to safely increase capacity at the venue’. We’ve also learned from the Highlanders match and we have earmarked an area at the northern end of the field for $20 tickets. Due to the limited size of this area and the number of available tickets, these will only be available from Lautoka Council offices.”

Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Michael Collins said it is exciting for the club to head back to Fiji to play the Fijian Drua for the first time.

“It’s really exciting for our club that the Gallagher Chiefs will face the Fijian Drua for the first time in their home nation. We know how passionate the Fijian people are about rugby and we’ve always been truly grateful for their warm hospitality and enthusiasm when we have played in Fiji previously.” said Collins.

“It’s great to hear their last fixture against the Highlanders sold out. There are plenty of Gallagher Chiefs supporters in Fiji that will be delighted the match will take place there so we are really looking forward to the fixture.” finished Collins.

Tickets for the match at Churchill Park are priced from $20 for adults, $10 for kids under 12 and will be available for sale from Monday 9th May at the Lautoka City Council office, and eight selected Jack’s of Fiji outlets.

Lautoka City Council CEO Mohammed Anees Khan said: “This will be an historic event for the City of Lautoka, as the Sugar City will play host to its first ever fixture of the Super Rugby franchise. What makes this more special is that our own boys will be playing in front of a home crowd of the Western Division of Fiji.”

“An influx of guests, visitors and tourists are expected to grace the game venue at Churchill Park. This gives the business community of Lautoka to showcase what the Sugar City has to offer. Considerable economic activity is expected to be generated by this fixture.”

An exciting curtain-raiser match is also planned for the day, with details to be announced later in partnership with the Fiji Rugby Union.

- Chiefs Rugby