The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua triumphed in a gripping 33-26 victory over Rugby Football Club Los Angeles in an exhibition match held at Churchill Park in Lautoka. This historic encounter, marking the first-ever meeting between a Major League Rugby (MRL) team and a Super Rugby Pacific squad, provided a thrilling showcase of skill and competitive spirit.

Head coach Glen Jackson will leave the preseason with valuable insights as he tested his squad, which features a blend of seasoned players and promising new talent. The match began with RFCLA applying early pressure, resulting in hooker Ben Sugars scoring the first try. The Drua responded favorably with a remarkable 60-meter break initiated by fullback Isikeli Rabitu, leading to a try from winger Isikeli Basiyalo, although the conversion attempt was missed.

The American side extended their lead through Gonzalo Bertranou’s quick tap penalty, but the Drua rallied back, securing two tries within the first half to finish the half tied at 19-all. The match continued with intense back-and-forth action, highlighting the resilience of both teams. The second half saw RFCLA jump ahead, only for the Drua to reclaim the lead in the final minutes with a try from Motikai Murray, who also successfully converted, sealing the victory.

This exhibition not only displayed the individual talents of players like Rabitu, Murray, and Bertranou but also depicted the spirit of camaraderie and competition between the teams. The historic nature of the match signifies a positive step towards expanding rugby’s global footprint and fostering connections between different rugby communities.

As rugby continues to grow in popularity, this match embodies the enthusiastic spirit of the sport and the promise of future collaborations, bringing more opportunities for development and excitement for fans of the game on both sides of the Pacific. Both the Fijian Drua and RFCLA are gearing up for their respective league seasons, filled with hope and determination for future success.

In summary, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s hard-fought victory over Rugby Football Club Los Angeles not only marks an important moment in rugby history but also sets the stage for greater international sporting relationships and showcases the potential for thrilling competition in the seasons to come.