The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will kick off their 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific campaign at their Lautoka fortress, Churchill Park, when they host Moana Pasifika on Saturday, February 14, 2026. It will also be the Drua’s first home match of the season, a welcome contrast to the 2025 opener staged in Suva.
Both teams will be eager to get the new year underway, with the Drua seeking to avenge a defeat to Moana Pasifika from last season, while Moana Pasifika look to keep their momentum against a familiar Pacific rival. Head coach Glen Jackson described the opening home fixture as a timely boost to their campaign and noted the long-standing, fierce rivalry the two sides share.
Moana Pasifika head coach and former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga highlighted the unique bond between the two Pasifika teams and said matches between them are always intense, with both sides expected to bring flare and power to the field. He also acknowledged Churchill Park as one of the toughest venues to play, praising the Drua’s ability to lift their game in Lautoka.
The Drua and Pasifika rivalry is a marquee feature of the Pacific season, with sentiment and pride running high whenever these two teams meet. The match at Churchill Park will showcase the Drua’s home-ground advantage, a theme that has defined the club’s recent form at the Lautoka venue.
What to watch for:
– The Drua’s strong home form at Lautoka and how it translates to a strong start to 2026.
– The ongoing, high-octane rivalry with Moana Pasifika and the Pacific flair both teams bring.
– The impact of a full home crowd on energy, focus, and performance on matchday.
Facts and context from prior years also point to the significance of Churchill Park for the Drua: the venue has been their most successful, with a noted a nine-game winning streak at Lautoka and a recent 40-35 win in a meeting with Moana Pasifika. The Drua have historically held a competitive edge in head-to-head meetings, having won four of the six prior fixtures against Moana Pasifika.
Meanwhile, fans can expect further details on the full 2026 season schedule to be released tomorrow, as the competition continues to take shape for another year of Pacific rugby showcase.
Summary: The 2026 season begins with a high-stakes showdown at Churchill Park, a home-ground advantage that has fueled the Drua’s recent form, as they face Moana Pasifika in a clash that promises intensity, Pacific pride, and a rousing start to the campaign.
Positive note: If the Drua continue to leverage their Lautoka fortress and sustain the energy of the home crowd, they could set a confident, momentum-building tone for a memorable 2026 season for players and supporters alike.
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