Historic Ba hosts Brumbies as Drua broaden their home footprint for a landmark 2026 season
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will write a new chapter in Ba next year when the ACT Brumbies visit Four R Electrical Govind Park for Round Five of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. The scheduled clash, set to be played at Ba’s newly upgraded venue, marks the first-ever Super Rugby match staged in the town famed for its football culture.
Govind Park’s redevelopment has delivered Fiji’s largest grandstand, now with capacity for more than 9,000 spectators, along with improved change rooms, corporate hospitality facilities, and other modern amenities. Drua general manager commercial Shane Hussein emphasised the significance of bringing a marquee match to Ba, noting that the new facility will enable flexible seating options and excellent value for fans.
“The opportunity to take a Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match to the fans and vanua of Ba is fantastic,” Hussein said. “The 4R Govind Park facilities give us the chance to offer multiple seated tickets at great value.”
The Drua’s 2026 campaign will begin on February 14 with a home fixture against Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park in Lautoka, with Head Coach Glen Jackson highlighting the importance of starting at home against fellow Pacific nations. “It’s always a fierce contest when we meet, a true reflection of the passion both teams bring,” Jackson said, adding that starting the season in front of the world’s best fans provides a strong boost.
Moana Pasifika’s coach Tana Umaga also welcomed the opening-round clash, describing it as more than just a game but a cultural showcase. “We are deeply connected with the Drua; opening the season in Fiji is going to be special,” Umaga commented.
The 2026 season is set to be the biggest yet, featuring 77 matches, a 16-round regular season, and a revamped six-team Finals Series. Fans can look forward to matches across multiple Fiji venues, the return of Super Round during ANZAC Day weekend, a landmark Christchurch opening at One New Zealand Stadium, and the Drua’s ongoing push to deepen rugby’s footprint in the islands.
Key fixtures and venue moves underline the Drua’s broader strategy to bring top-tier rugby closer to communities around Fiji. In addition to the Ba debut, the Drua’s schedule includes matches at Churchill Park in Lautoka and HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, with marquee away trips to Auckland, Canberra, and Christchurch on the calendar.
Ticketing for the expanded 2026 schedule is expected to be a focal point for fans planning trips across Fiji and abroad, with sales anticipated to start in December ahead of the season.
What this means for fans and communities
– The Drua are widening their home footprint to engage more communities, giving supporters in Ba a chance to witness top-level rugby on home soil.
– The inclusion of Ba complements traditional bases in Lautoka and Suva, creating a more geographically diverse schedule.
– A new finals format, including a “lucky loser” concept from the Qualifying Finals, adds variety and keeps the championship race dynamic.
– With multiple venues across Fiji and abroad, travel options for fans are likely to increase, boosting local tourism and rugby engagement.
A positive outlook for 2026
The Drua’s broadened home plan, the Highlanders’ return to Fiji, and the refreshed finals structure all point to a vibrant, community-driven season. The Ba milestone, alongside matches across Lautoka, Suva, and other hubs, promises a compelling narrative for fans and communities alike as Fiji’s rugby story continues to grow.
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