Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA) has touched down in Fiji ahead of their historic match against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua on January 24, 2025, at Churchill Park in Lautoka. This groundbreaking event will mark the first-ever meeting between a Major League Rugby (MLR) team and a squad from Super Rugby Pacific, promising to elevate the global profile of the sport.

Upon arrival at Nadi International Airport, Los Angeles captain Jason Damm expressed his enthusiasm for the unprecedented encounter: “It’s super exciting. This is the first of its kind where a U.S.-based MLR team faces off against a Super Rugby team. Anytime you get to run against opposition like the Drua in Fiji, it’s an honor, an incredible experience, and a challenge for us to take on.”

The match highlights the growing international stature of rugby, particularly as both leagues gear up for significant events such as the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the USA. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley underscored the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing the opportunity to foster stronger ties between the two leagues and to showcase the Fijian Drua to new audiences.

Damm pointed out that with only a few weeks of training under their belts, the LA team is focused on teamwork and playing exciting rugby, aiming to secure a victory against a formidable opponent. “We’ll keep it simple, move the ball forward, and aim to get over the line,” he stated.

Tickets for the match are attractively priced at $5 for ground access and $10 for reserved seating, making the event accessible to families and expanding community engagement. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to meet players on the field post-match, enhancing the overall experience for supporters.

As anticipation grows for this pivotal match, it represents a bright future for rugby, promoting cultural exchange and camaraderie among fans and players alike. This historic encounter is not just about competition; it symbolizes hope for strengthened ties within the global rugby community and showcases the sport’s development on an international scale.

In summary, the clash between RFCLA and the Fijian Drua on January 24, 2025, is poised to be a landmark event in rugby history, fostering international connections and celebrating the vibrant growth of the sport worldwide.