The Fijian Drua and Fiji National University (FNU) have entered a promising new partnership, designating FNU as the official catering supplier for the Drua Club. This collaboration aims to support the high-performance needs of both the men’s and women’s teams as they gear up for the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific and Buildcorp Super Rugby Women seasons.
FNU, through its College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies, and especially the School of Hospitality & Tourism, will provide specially tailored meals and snacks that meet the nutritional and caloric requirements of the athletes during their rigorous training and competition periods.
Baden Stephenson, General Manager Rugby of the Fijian Drua, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, citing FNU’s top-tier staff and facilities at the Namaka campus as key factors in meeting the team’s specific dietary needs. He emphasized that through this partnership, FNU’s students can gain practical experience by preparing meals for elite athletes. This unique collaboration not only provides FNU with significant revenue but also enriches the educational journey of its students, who will work with culinary experts and gain insights from strength and conditioning professionals associated with the Drua.
Uniasi Nabobo-Baba, Vice-Chancellor of FNU, highlighted the importance of this initiative for students, particularly in light of Fiji’s expanding sports market and the growing number of international events. She expressed excitement over the opportunity for students to apply their academic knowledge in a practical and dynamic environment, paving the way for future careers in the sports and hospitality fields.
This initiative has already kicked off with the commencement of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men’s pre-season training, setting a positive precedent for future partnerships between educational institutions and professional sports organizations.
This partnership represents not only a significant step forward for the Fijian Drua but also promising opportunities for FNU students, showcasing the potential for practical application of academic learning in real-world scenarios. It’s a hopeful reminder of how collaboration can lead to mutual benefits and support the growth of both sports and education in Fiji.
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