‘Na Bole’ to showcase Fijian culture

THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua brought more than just their famed rugby skills to Super Rugby Pacific when they ran out for the first time ever against the Waratahs last night at CommBank Stadium, Paramatta. The team showcaseed a specially created Fijian challenge – Na Bole.

Fijian Drua chief executive Brian Thorburn revealed that the Na Bole was created by the team to energise and remind themselves of the task at hand.

“Our Drua has finally reached the shores of Super Rugby Pacific after 25 years. The significance of this journey and opportunity is top of mind for our players, staff and Club,” he said in a statement.

“When the team made the request to bring back the bole for our inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign, we immediately worked to get approval to do it from Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby. We are thankful for their understanding of how special this is for our team, our club and country.”

Thorburn says the Drua will present Na Bole before home matches.

He said this was yet another way the Drua would represent the culture and pride of Fiji to the world.

“We’re bringing something quite special to Super Rugby Pacific in addition to that fast, fearless Fijian flair that our players are known for.

“The Drua is powered by the heart and spirit of the Fijian people and we aim to make them proud on and off the field. The wordings of Na Bole encapsulate all that unites the Fijian spirit: unwavering faith and belief in God, our connection to the vanua, the people, our vuvale and kinships, and finally, the Drua’s own values of integrity, discipline and (being) relentless.”