The Fijian Drua and Fiji National University (FNU) have established an exciting partnership, designating FNU as the new catering supplier for the rugby club. As the Fijian Drua Men and Women gear up for their 2025 seasons in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific and Buildcorp Super Rugby Women, FNU has been tasked with providing meals that meet the high-performance needs of the athletes.
The catering, which includes tailored meals and snacks, is being provided by FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies, specifically through the School of Hospitality & Tourism.
Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby Baden Stephenson expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “We’re very happy to partner with FNU for our catering requirements during the current pre-season training and throughout the Super Rugby season.” He noted that the Drua has specific catering needs regarding quality, portion sizes, flavors, and nutrition, and recognized FNU’s Namaka campus as well-equipped to meet those demands.
“This partnership is unique and mutually beneficial. FNU will generate significant revenue, while its hospitality students gain real-world experience by preparing, delivering, and presenting meals for professional athletes,” Stephenson added. He emphasized that Fijian Drua athletes will benefit from nutritious meals provided by experienced culinary experts and talented students.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba highlighted the advantages for graduates in light of Fiji’s growing sports market and the increase in international events. She expressed enthusiasm about this unprecedented collaboration, ensuring that all players and management receive appropriately portioned meals at the right times.
Nabobo-Baba remarked, “This initiative will allow students to apply their academic knowledge in a dynamic real-world context, bridging the gap between theory and practical skills.”
The catering services from Fiji National University have already commenced, coinciding with the beginning of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men’s pre-season training.
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