Chiefs ‘excited’ about Fiji clash
THE Chiefs say the prospect of returning to play in Fiji is “exciting” as they look forward to taking on the Fijian Drua at Churchill Park in Lautoka on May 28.
The Swire Shipping Drua made the annoucement to host the Chiefs in Fiji after a sell-out crowd turned up to watch the home team take on the Highlanders in Suva last week.
The Chiefs last played in Fiji in 2019, in a Super Rugby match against the Crusaders. That game at the ANZ Stadium in Suva saw the Chiefs pull off one of the most incredible comebacks in their history to defeat the Crusaders 40-27.
The Waikato-based franchise returns to the islands for the Super Rugby Pacific round 15 match against the Drua.
“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 chief executive officer Michael Collins said.
“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.”
Lautoka City Council chief executive officer Mohammed Anees Khan said the match would be a historic event as the Sugar City plays 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,” 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.”
Meanwhile, tickets to the match go on sale from Monday at the Lautoka City Council office and selected Jack’s of Fiji outlets.
$20 for adults and $10 for kids under-12 for the grass embankment on the TappooCity (northern) end of the field.
$30 for adults and $15 for kids under 12 for the grass embankment opposite the main stadium (eastern).
$95 for the wooden grandstand (Pavilion B)
$95 for a temporary grandstand to be constructed adjacent to the concrete grandstand (Pavilion A)
$145 for the concrete grandstand (Pavilion A).