In their first season in Super Rugby, the Fijian Drua will base themselves in Australia, it was confirmed on Thursday.
The COVID situation in Fiji combined with the logistics of international travel has meant that the side will base themselves full-time in Queensland. A number of locations are being considered with the final decision due in the next few weeks.
Along with their new home, the competition has a new name and will be known as Super Rugby Pacific with the Dura joined by fellow new boys Moana Pasifika and five teams each from New Zealand and Australia.
Fiji Rugby Chairman Conway Beg said “It will most definitely be a sacrifice for our players, coaching staff and team management…But everyone realises the massive opportunity Super Rugby Pacific presents for our players and for the future of our 15s program.”
Along with HQ logistics, the squad itself is coming together nicely with a potential squad of 38 already identified. The group will include talent from Flying Fijians internationals, Fiji sevens stars and national age-grade representatives – all of whom will be excited to mix it with the traditional Super Rugby teams in 2022.
The establishment and success of the Dura is seen by many as the crucial missing link in the Fijian rugby pathways. Fiji Rugby Union’s General Manager of High Performance, Simon Raiwalui commented:
“Traditionally, after our age group teams, such as the Under-20s and the Warriors, our players have had to search for opportunities offshore. The Drua is not only going to provide opportunities to our players but is also going to provide opportunities to our staff, and that’s a very important part of our evolution as well.”
Francisco Roldan
Roar Rookie
I regard the island game as a missing or unrecognized link in modern rugby, based on a combination of skill and speed. We all dream of playing as the Serevi mage, right...? The opportunity to see two "island" teams in #SuperRugbyPacific seems like a true act of justice to me.
The World in Union
Roar Rookie
This article doesn't get debate going hence the low number of comments. There have been hundreds of comments on other articles related to Drua and Moana. No question the interest is there. Absolute respect for Drua and Moana.
Dave
Guest
You take their games to where they have the highest population of Fijian Australians. The Fijian super team aren’t a side show you make travel around the country for Australian rugby’s viewing pleasure
NH Fan
Guest
This is a great opportunity for both Fiji and Australia. For Fiji it will help them to bond as a squad quicker because they will be away from home. Yes they will miss family but it can also be a hindrance as we have seen with some of the European based fijian players returning (or not in some cases) not in ideal shape or time. It should also give them good quaility facilities that then sets the standard when they move back to Fiji. For Oz it is like having the Harlem Globe Trotters who will entertain. If placed in the right city it could act as a way to strenghten the third teir as the Dura could work and train with the big local club. The Dura will be young and raw but like others said it will be rough diamonds in the shop window as opposed to the finished article. Connacht use to have open trials for 18-20 year olds for academy contracts when they had no real school system. Dura could do the same among the Fijian community in Oz, may find a few gems who then act as role models in that area for Union.
NH Fan
Guest
Or the RC which is happening is bigger news than something that doesn't tell us any players and is about something happening in 6 months
AndyS
Guest
I think probably more that bit is nothing much of an article. Being based in Australia wasn't really news any more, and sacrifices due to Covid are definitely nothing new. I guess we'll see next year, as crowd numbers at their away games will tell the tale.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
The very low numbers of comments towards the subject of this article Prob ably reflects the real interest of Aussie fans towards these teams. Shame really!
AJ
Guest
I understand that family is everything for Fijians and have heard that players like Filipo at the Reds have suffered terribly during COVID from homesickness.
adam smith
Roar Rookie
Awesome, can’t wait to the see more of our “PI & proud” brothers playing in SuperRugby (Pasifika included). Also, “mad props” to RA for helping establish the Drua previously, in the NRC was it?!?! Giving the team a start anyway.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Great stuff. I wonder how they will go against Super teams? Personally I think that both PI sides will struggle to win any games. Hope I'm wrong.
Jitter
Guest
Hey awesome would it be if they took this show on the road. Seeing as the Reds and Tahs don't like taking their games too far from the big cities use Fiji as a way to expand interest. Places like Townsville spring to mind.
cookie
Roar Guru
Awesome, best news for rugby. The stars are starting to align. If only they had done this years ago instead of more teams in different time zones
Richie
Roar Rookie
Terrific sacrifice from a nation that simply wants to play footy. Well done Fiji.:thumbup:
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Gees I am really looking forward to this comp!