The Fijian Drua have announced they will play their round 15 clash against the Chiefs at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji on Saturday May 28.
It was originally scheduled for the Gold Coast, however, a relaxation of border controls has allowed the Drua to host just their second game in Fiji.
This comes off the back of a sell-out last Saturday in Suva, with over 15,000 watching the Highlanders claim a narrow win over the hosts.
“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,” Drua CEO Brian Thorburn said in a statement.
“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.”
The excitement was shared by the Chiefs, who last played in Fiji in 2019 against the Crusaders.
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“It’s really exciting for our club that the Gallagher Chiefs will face the Fijian Drua for the first time in their home nation," Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Michael Collins believes.
"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.
“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."
“This will be a 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," Lautoka City Council CEO Mohammed Anees Khan added.
“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."
