Australia and Fiji share a deep love for rugby

AFTER just two seasons, the Fijian Drua Women and Men's teams have captured the imagination of the people of Fiji and won the admiration of rugby fans all over.

The Drua Men were admitted in the Super Rugby Pacific competition from the 2022 season after 25 years of lobbying, while the Drua Women (formerly Fijiana Drua) joined the Super Rugby Women (formerly Super W) four years after competition's inception.

But this 25 year dream for Fijian rugby to step up to a new era of professionalism only became a reality thanks to the Australian Government.

The Australian Government announced in November 2021 the funding agreement for Drua Men and Women's teams to participate in the two respective competitions through its Pacific Aus Sports programme.

This announcement opened the door for Fijian rugby players to be able to play the game they love professionally while still contributing to their country.

Because of continuing COVID-related travel restrictions at the time, the Australian Government was also instrumental in assisting with the relocation of both teams to Australia, to ensure they could participate in the competition the first year.

Two years on, the popularity of both Drua teams have grown enormously, with an entire sports commercial and tourism ecosystem built around the Club.

The Drua Women have won the Super Rugby Women competition two years in a row, and are aiming for a historic three-peat.

The Drua Men created history by being the fastest new team in Super Rugby Pacific to reach the competition's quarterfinals.

Australia's contribution hasn't gone unnoticed, with both the Fijian Drua and Fiji Rugby acknowledging their critical support, without which Fijians may not have been able to enjoy seeing their favourite rugby players take on the world's best. Fijian Drua chief executive officer Mark Evans said: "This generous funding allows us to sustain Fiji's only professional sports franchise, the Fijian Drua, enabling us to participate in Super Rugby Pacific and Super W competitions. Since the Fijian Drua's inception, we have fast become a real pathway for young Fijian women and men to pursue a professional career in their favourite sport (rugby) in Fiji itself, whereas previously they would have had to move ashore for these opportunities."

2023 Renewed Partnership

This renewal of this groundbreaking partnership took place last year.

It sees both teams in Super Rugby Pacific and Australia's Super Rugby Women's competitions for the next four years.

The announcement was made in October by Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Pat Conroy, Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific.

He remarked: "Australia and Fiji share a deep love of rugby. Rugby doesn't just build mutual respect and pride. It brings our nations together through shared goals, sporting heroes and achievements.

Australia's support will focus on the Fijiana (Drua Women) to enable the continued growth and success of women's rugby in Fiji, inspiring a new generation of girls across the region to play professional rugby."

Pacific Aus Sports' continues to be involved in sports diplomacy and development programmes throughout the Pacific.

This allows for a new generation of Fiji and Pacific athletes to become professionals, a dream many never thought would become reality.

Picture: SUPPLIED Tyrel Lomax with the ball during the round 11 Super Rugby Pacific match between Fijian Drua and Hurricanes at HFC Bank Stadium, on May 6, 2023, in Suva, Fiji.

Picture: SUPPLIED Ilaisa Droasese of the Fijian Drua congratulated on his try during the round 14 Super Rugby Pacific match between Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park, on May 27, 2023, in Suva.

Picture: SUPPLIED Vitalina Naikore of Fijian Drua celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the Super W match between Fijian Drua and Melbourne Rebels Women at HFC Bank Stadium on April 1, 2023, in Suva, Fiji.