Mark Evans, the CEO of Fijian Drua, has expressed strong support for a warm-up match between the British and Irish Lions and Fiji ahead of the Lions’ 2029 tour to New Zealand. He asserts that this matchup should take precedence over a potentially more lucrative fixture against a weakened French team, which may miss top players due to their commitments during the Top 14 final.
In an interview with RUGBYPASS, Evans emphasized the critical need for Fiji to face regular Tier One opponents to enhance their competitiveness in the global rugby landscape. He suggested that whether the game takes place in Suva or Auckland is less important than the mere opportunity for Fiji to challenge a prestigious team like the Lions.
Evans highlighted that although Fiji faces financial constraints and has limited stadium capacity, a clash with the Lions could significantly elevate the profile of the Fiji Rugby Union. He pointed out that the Fijian Drua has established a professional domestic pathway, further justifying the relevance of the matchup for rugby development in Fiji.
Moreover, Evans critiqued the Lions’ decision to include composite teams in their 2025 Australia tour, arguing that Fiji would present a better draw. Lions CEO Ben Calveley has acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding incorporating emerging rugby nations like Fiji and Japan into future pre-tour fixtures, signaling a shift in the rugby landscape towards inclusivity.
Evans concluded by stressing the necessity for Fiji’s rugby growth to include not only consistent high-level matches but also a fairer distribution of broadcast revenue to ensure the sport’s sustainability in the long term. This aligns with positive trends observed in the development of rugby in Fiji, primarily through the Fijian Drua, which has emphasized building local talent and improving team depth.
Overall, the prospects for Fiji rugby look bright with ongoing efforts to strengthen the sport’s foundation, showcasing resilience and a commitment to nurturing future generations of rugby players.
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