The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is exploring the possibility of utilizing Ba’s Govind Park as a third venue for their Super Rugby Pacific home matches. During an interview at the Tanoa Plaza hotel in Suva, CEO Mark Evans shared insights into the Drua’s growing relationship with the Ba Rugby Union and the local council, highlighting the potential of Govind Park to accommodate an additional 9,500 fans.
Evans noted that while the Drua had not yet conducted a thorough audit of the completed venue, they were optimistic about its facilities. He acknowledged the importance of evaluating aspects such as broadcast capabilities and pitch quality before making a final decision. “We think it’s pretty good but we haven’t actually done an audit,” he mentioned, indicating that evaluations are pending.
The Drua’s decision to split home matches between Lautoka’s Churchill Park and Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium was partly driven by ticket pricing concerns, making it economically challenging for many Fijians. Evans suggested that future women’s games and trial matches could be hosted at Govind Park, emphasizing a commitment to community engagement and the growth of rugby in the region.
This potential development aligns with the ongoing discussions surrounding Govind Park’s redevelopment, which promises modern facilities that could elevate the sporting experience in Ba and bolster local engagement in rugby. Minister Maciu Nalumisa previously highlighted the expected benefits for the community, indicating that the park could attract both local and international events, thereby enhancing the region’s sporting landscape.
Overall, the Drua’s exploration of Govind Park as an additional venue illustrates a proactive approach to expanding rugby in Fiji, fostering local involvement, and potentially revitalizing the sporting culture in Ba. Community members and rugby fans can look forward to the possibility of enhanced match experiences and increased sports activity in the region.
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