History will be made on January 24, 2025, when Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA) faces off against the Fijian Drua in a highly anticipated match at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji. This marks the first-ever encounter between a Major League Rugby (MLR) team and a Super Rugby Pacific side, a significant milestone that underscores the growing global footprint of rugby.

To ensure accessibility for all rugby fans, the Fijian Drua has set ticket prices attractively at $5 for grass embankment seating and $10 for stands. The match not only highlights the growing prominence of both leagues but also reinforces RFCLA’s ambitions on the international rugby scene following their recent player signings, including renowned talents like Christian Leali’ifano and Olympic gold medalist Semi Kunatani.

The Fijian Drua has gained a dedicated fan base with their thrilling and dynamic style of play since their entry into the Super Rugby Pacific, making playoff appearances in both recent seasons. Co-captains Tevita Ikanivere and Frank Lomani lead a team that features a wealth of skilled “Flying Fijians,” exemplifying the competitive spirit of Fiji’s rugby culture.

Baden Stephenson, the General Manager for Rugby at the Fijian Drua, expressed his excitement about hosting RFCLA: “This game will provide our players, coaches, and fans with a new and different stimulus and challenge,” he stated, emphasizing the match’s potential to strengthen rugby’s global connections.

RFCLA’s CEO, Pete Sickle, conveyed gratitude to the Fijian Drua for this unprecedented opportunity, illustrating the moment as a reflection of his team’s significant growth in their nascent season. He hopes that this fixture will spark enduring traditions between the two clubs and nations.

The encounter is timely, especially with the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2031 Rugby World Cup being hosted in the USA. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley commented on the crucial timing for rugby in America, highlighting the potential for growth and partnership between the MLR and Super Rugby.

Following the match, fans will be invited onto the field, providing an opportunity to meet players and further enhancing the communal experience surrounding this landmark event.

This match not only signifies a momentous occasion for rugby fans but also presents a chance for cultural exchange and the forging of new traditions between the United States and Fiji. As both leagues continue to evolve, this historic clash illustrates the exciting future ahead for rugby on an international scale.