The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are exploring the possibility of hosting more teams from the West Coast of the United States for pre-season trials, following their successful match against Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA). This consideration comes as the Drua face logistical and financial hurdles in securing high-profile opponents for their pre-season games in Fiji.
Mark Evans, CEO of Drua, articulated the challenges of attracting high-cost teams to Fiji, noting the reluctance from teams due to travel expenses. He pointed out the significant Fijian communities located in cities such as Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, making the West Coast an appealing region for potential matchups.
The encounter with RFCLA was beneficial for both teams, with Evans labeling it a quality trial. He emphasized the importance of limiting travel during pre-season periods, reflecting on a demanding previous campaign where the team was away for five out of six weeks. “That amount of travel is detrimental to performance,” Evans noted, stressing the team’s desire to minimize travel burdens while optimizing their pre-season training.
In light of the growing Major League Rugby (MLR) scene in the U.S., Evans also pointed out that teams in San Diego and Seattle represent solid options that could provide the Drua with competitive pre-season encounters.
In summary, this positive initiative not only seeks to enhance the Drua’s pre-season training through strategic partnerships with U.S. teams but also fosters deeper connections with the vibrant Fijian community in those regions. The team’s proactive approach signifies their commitment to improving performance while strategically navigating logistical challenges.
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