The Fijian Drua and Fiji National University (FNU) have formed a new partnership, designating FNU as the official catering supplier for the rugby club. As the Fijian Drua Men and Women gear up for the 2025 seasons of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific and Buildcorp Super Rugby Women, FNU will provide catering tailored to meet the high-performance needs of the players.
The meals and snacks will be prepared according to the specific requirements of the Drua and will be supplied by FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies, particularly the School of Hospitality & Tourism.
Baden Stephenson, General Manager Rugby for the Fijian Drua, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “We’re very happy to partner with FNU for our catering requirements for the current pre-season training and throughout the Super Rugby season.” He emphasized the high-quality standards needed for the team, which include specific criteria for nutrition, flavor, and portion sizes, noting that FNU’s Namaka campus is well-equipped to fulfill these needs.
This collaboration is expected to benefit both organizations, as FNU stands to gain significant revenue while providing its School of Hospitality and Tourism students with practical culinary experience by preparing meals for professional athletes. “Fijian Drua athletes will receive excellent nutrition prepared by leading culinary experts and talented students at the FNU Namaka Campus,” said Stephenson.
Additionally, FNU students will have the opportunity to learn high-performance catering skills with guidance from the Drua’s Strength and Conditioning experts and dieticians. FNU Vice-Chancellor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba highlighted the positive implications for graduates in light of Fiji’s growing sports market.
She expressed enthusiasm about the innovative collaboration, stating that they are excited to be part of this unique opportunity. The initiative will ensure that players and management receive the appropriate meals, in correct portions, and at the right times, allowing students to apply their academic training in a practical environment. FNU’s catering services have already begun in conjunction with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men’s pre-season training.
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