The Fijian Drua rugby team has forged an exciting partnership with Fiji National University (FNU), designating FNU as their official catering supplier. As both the men’s and women’s teams gear up for the 2025 seasons of Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific and Buildcorp Super Rugby Women, this collaboration aims to provide players with specialized meals tailored to their high-performance needs.
FNU will cater to the team’s distinct nutritional requirements through its College of Business, Hospitality, and Tourism Studies, specifically leveraging the resources and expertise of the School of Hospitality & Tourism. The General Manager of Rugby for Fijian Drua, Baden Stephenson, expressed enthusiasm for this alliance, noting that FNU’s facilities and skilled staff at the Namaka campus are perfectly suited to meet their demands for quality, nutrition, and flavor in their meal preparations.
The partnership offers dual benefits: while FNU enhances its revenue streams, its hospitality students gain invaluable experience by preparing and serving meals to professional athletes. This hands-on experience allows students to translate their classroom learning into practical skills, particularly in the realm of high-performance catering. They will also collaborate closely with the Drua’s Strength and Conditioning experts and dieticians, enriching their educational journey.
FNU’s Vice-Chancellor, Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, highlighted the significance of this initiative, marking it as a pioneering effort that aligns with the expanding sports market in Fiji and the increase in international sporting events. She emphasized the importance of providing players and management with precisely tailored meals, reinforcing the project’s educational aspect by allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in a dynamic setting.
As catering services have already commenced with the start of pre-season training for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men’s team, this partnership embodies a forward-thinking approach, celebrating collaboration and educational growth while supporting the athletic community.
This partnership not only enhances the nutritional standards for the athletes but also paves the way for FNU students to gain pertinent industry experience, contributing positively to the development of Fiji’s sports and hospitality sectors. It’s a win-win situation, reflecting a hopeful trend of combined efforts between educational institutions and professional sports teams.
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