The Fijian Drua and the Fiji National University (FNU) have unveiled an exciting partnership that will see FNU serve as the catering supplier for the rugby club. As both the 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 meals tailored specifically to meet the high-performance needs of the players.
The catering services will be managed by FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies, with a focus on delivering nutrition that aligns with the Drua’s specialized dietary requirements. General Manager of Rugby, Baden Stephenson, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the importance of quality food that meets the players’ needs in terms of flavor, nutrition, and precise portioning. He noted the FNU’s capable staff and excellent facilities at its Namaka campus as key factors in their decision.
This collaboration promises to benefit both organizations significantly. FNU stands to generate substantial revenue while providing students from its School of Hospitality & Tourism an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting, preparing and serving meals for elite athletes. This unique experience will help students acquire valuable skills in high-performance catering, supported by the expertise of the Drua’s Strength and Conditioning professionals and dieticians.
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, expressed her excitement about this pioneering collaboration, noting its potential to enhance students’ practical knowledge in a rapidly growing sports market. She emphasized the intent to deliver right-sized, appropriately timed meals for both athletes and management, fostering an environment where academic learning is applied in real-world scenarios.
The catering services began concurrently with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men’s pre-season training, showcasing the immediate impact of this partnership.
Overall, this partnership illustrates a promising future for both the Fijian Drua and Fiji National University, strengthening the community ties between sports and education while providing students with invaluable practical experience.
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