The Fijian Drua has established an exciting new partnership with Fiji National University (FNU), making FNU the official catering supplier for the club. This collaboration comes as both the Fijian Drua Men’s and Women’s teams gear up for the 2025 seasons of Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific and Buildcorp Super Rugby Women.
FNU will provide specialized catering tailored to meet the high-performance nutritional needs of the players. The catering services will be managed by FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies, particularly through the School of Hospitality & Tourism. Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby, Baden Stephenson, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, emphasizing how FNU’s skilled staff and facilities are well-equipped to meet their high standards for quality and nutrition.
The collaboration offers mutual benefits; while FNU stands to gain significant revenue, its students and staff will gain hands-on experience in professional sports catering. They will learn to prepare meals designed for peak performance, informed by insights from experts in strength and conditioning and nutritional dieticians.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba highlighted the importance of this partnership for students, noting the positive implications for graduates as Fiji’s sports market continues to grow alongside an increase in international events. She relayed her excitement about the opportunity, marking this as a groundbreaking initiative.
The catering services have already commenced, aligning with the start of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men’s pre-season training, ensuring that athletes receive the right meals and nutrients to support their performance on the field.
This partnership not only enhances the training and preparation of the teams but also fosters valuable real-world experiences for students, blending education with athletic excellence and setting the stage for future collaborations in Fiji’s dynamic sports landscape.
Overall, this collaboration signifies a hopeful and progressive step for both the Fijian Drua and FNU, promoting excellence in sports through nutrition and education.
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