Dijuan: Drua lock in majority of 2026 home games as Ba gears up for historic first, Highlanders return and finals format changes
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have locked in five of seven home fixtures for the next Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, with negotiations continuing on the remaining pair. A standout development is round five, which will see the Brumbies visit Four R Govind Park in Ba for the first time, marking a major milestone in the Drua’s growing footprint across Fiji.
Executive commentary from the club emphasizes the importance of certainty for Fiji-based and international fans as travel plans are finalised. The 2026 schedule signals a broader spread of high-profile matchups across Fiji, with visits from Moana Pasifika, Hurricanes, ACT Brumbies, Queensland Reds, Western Force, Highlanders and New South Wales Waratahs. Notably, the Highlanders return to Fiji for the first time in four years, a comeback fans have warmly anticipated after a dramatic 2022 clash when the Drua were edged 27-24 at home.
New finals format details were also announced this month. The competition will introduce a “lucky loser” concept from the Qualifying Finals, advancing as the fourth seed, with all Semi-Final and Grand Final matches played away if that team advances.
Key 2026 schedule highlights include:
– Start of the season: February 14, 2026, at Churchill Park, Lautoka, against Moana Pasifika.
– February 20: Waratahs in Sydney.
– February 28: Hurricanes in Lautoka.
– March 14: Ba hosts a Drua home match at Four R Govind Park (the new Ba venue for a Drua home fixture).
– March 21: Reds in Lautoka.
– March 28: Blues in Auckland.
– April 3: Crusaders in Christchurch.
– Round 9: Western Force to be confirmed for a home match.
– April 17: Brumbies in Canberra.
– April 26: Chiefs in Christchurch as part of the Super Round schedule.
– May 2: Highlanders match with venue to be confirmed.
– May 16: Waratahs in Suva (HFC Bank Stadium).
– End of regular season: Away fixtures to conclude the campaign against the Western Force in Perth and the Reds in Brisbane.
What this means for fans and communities
– The Drua’s expanded venue strategy continues to bring top-tier rugby closer to more people around Fiji, including a historic Ba home fixture that complements traditional bases at Churchill Park in Lautoka and HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
– Ticketing for the expanded 2026 schedule is expected to be a focal point for fans planning trips across Fiji and abroad, with a rollout anticipated in the lead-up to December.
– The inclusion of multiple venues across Fiji aligns with ongoing efforts to grow rugby’s footprint in the islands and build momentum ahead of a competitive season.
Context and development to watch
– Govind Park in Ba has been a focal point of growth for Fijian rugby, with recent facility improvements enhancing its suitability for high-calibre matches. The Drua’s move to Ba for a marquee Round 5 clash underscores ongoing plans to diversify home venues and engage new communities in Fiji.
– The Highlanders’ return to Fiji after a four-year gap adds intrigue and a strong draw for neutral fans, rekindling a compelling regional rivalry and providing a fresh chapter in Drua history.
Summary
The Fijian Drua are shaping a 2026 schedule that broadens their home footprint, with Ba’s Four R Govind Park hosting an historic Brumbies clash and a continued emphasis on delivering matches across Lautoka, Suva, and other communities. A refreshed finals format aims to keep the competition dynamic, while the Drua’s calendar features a blend of familiar opponents and new staging grounds to engage fans and grow rugby in Fiji.
Positive outlook
This expansion supports stronger local engagement, more travel-friendly options for fans in Fiji, and opportunities for the Drua to showcase their squad across multiple venues. It sets the stage for a vibrant, home-grown rugby story in 2026, with the Highlanders’ return and a new finals structure contributing to a competitive, exciting season for supporters.
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