Fijian Drua chief executive Jeff Miller has warned supporters to buy tickets early after last Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific clash against the ACT Brumbies in Ba was sold out, leaving hundreds of fans unable to get inside Govind Park. The high-demand fixture saw long queues and a packed stadium, while large numbers of disappointed supporters huddled in the rain outside the gates trying to catch the action.
Miller said the turnout, and the sight of fans climbing trees surrounding the ground to watch the match, underlined the depth of local support but also highlighted the need for advance planning. “I’m very sorry for fans who missed out but you need to get your tickets early,” he said. “There’s a lot of interest and a lot of people who want to support the Drua, so next time jump on our website, buy your tickets early and make sure you get the best seat.”
Organisers and club officials faced scenes familiar to rugby communities across the Pacific: a sell-out crowd inside Govind Park and a festival-like atmosphere outside as those shut out tried to follow the game. Several spectators scaled trees near the stadium to glimpse play; others stood in rain near entry points, cheering when key moments unfolded inside. Miller acknowledged the disappointment of those left outside while describing the turnout as a positive sign for the Drua’s growth in the competition.
The Brumbies game in Ba is the latest indicator of rising interest in the Fijian Drua since their inclusion in Super Rugby Pacific, particularly in the Western Division where the club has taken top-tier fixtures to towns beyond Suva. Earlier this season, players and management noted large crowds at Churchill Park in Lautoka, and the Ba sell-out reinforces that appetite for live professional rugby in regional venues remains strong.
With attention now turning to their next fixture — a meeting with the Queensland Reds this Saturday at Churchill Park — Miller’s message is a practical one aimed at avoiding repeat scenes. He urged fans to use the Drua’s online ticketing platform to secure seats in advance, stressing that popular games will continue to draw capacity crowds. The club has not announced changes to match-day entry procedures, but the sell-out in Ba is likely to focus planning around ticket allocation and crowd management for upcoming home fixtures.
As the Drua prepare for the Reds test, Miller said the organisation is encouraged by community backing and remains committed to bringing Super Rugby to the Western Division. For supporters keen to attend Saturday’s match at Churchill Park, the CEO’s advice is simple: buy early to avoid disappointment.
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