The Fijian Drua and Fiji National University (FNU) have entered into a new partnership that designates FNU as the official catering supplier for the rugby club. This collaboration comes as the Drua Men and Women gear up for the 2025 seasons of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific and Buildcorp Super Rugby Women, with FNU providing catering tailored to meet the players’ high-performance needs.
The meals and snacks, designed according to the Drua’s specific dietary requirements, are prepared by FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies, focusing on the School of Hospitality & Tourism.
General Manager Rugby for Fijian Drua, Baden Stephenson, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “We’re very happy to partner with FNU for our catering needs during the current pre-season training and throughout the Super Rugby season.” He emphasized the Drua’s specialized requirements regarding quality, portion size, flavor, and nutrition, noting that FNU’s skilled staff and excellent facilities at the Namaka campus make them well-suited to meet these standards.
This partnership benefits both organizations, as FNU is expected to generate significant revenue, while its hospitality students can gain practical experience by preparing, delivering, and presenting meals for professional athletes. “Fijian Drua athletes will receive exceptional nutrition from leading culinary experts at the FNU Namaka Campus, supported by talented students,” Stephenson remarked.
An added advantage for FNU students is the opportunity to learn about high-performance catering, with guidance from the Drua’s Strength and Conditioning experts, including Master Naca Cawanibuka, as well as dieticians.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba highlighted the importance of this collaboration for graduates, especially given the growth of Fiji’s sports market and the rise in international events. She expressed excitement regarding this unprecedented opportunity and emphasized the initiative’s role in offering students a chance to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world context.
Catering services from Fiji National University have already commenced with the start of the pre-season training for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men’s team.
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