On January 24, 2025, Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA) will make history as they face the Fijian Drua in a groundbreaking match at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji. This encounter will be the first between a Major League Rugby (MLR) team and a Super Rugby Pacific squad, marking a significant milestone in the expanding global footprint of rugby.

The match aims to be accessible to a wide audience, with ticket prices set at $5 for general grounds access and $10 for seated areas. This initiative underscores both leagues’ commitment to promoting rugby and engaging fans.

RFCLA is enhancing its international presence with notable signings, including Christian Leali’ifano and Olympic gold medalist Semi Kunatani. The team is coached by Stephen Hoiles and David Dennis, both champions of the Waratahs and Super Rugby Pacific. This robust lineup promises an exhilarating display of rugby.

The Fijian Drua has captured fans’ hearts with their dynamic style of play since joining the Super Rugby scene. The team has qualified for the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs in each of the last two seasons, boasting a talented roster led by co-captains Tevita Ikanivere and Frank Lomani. Baden Stephenson, General Manager of Rugby for the Drua, expressed excitement about the upcoming match, noting it as a chance for players and fans to engage in new challenges while strengthening international partnerships.

RFCLA’s CEO, Pete Sickle, expressed gratitude towards the Fijian Drua for making this historic opportunity possible, emphasizing it as a reflection of the franchise’s growth in its first year. He hopes this fixture will inspire lasting traditions between the clubs and their respective nations.

Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley highlighted the strategic importance of this match in the context of rugby’s growth in the United States, especially with the country set to host the next Olympics in 2028 and the Rugby World Cup in 2031. MLR CEO Nic Benson added that this fixture presents an important milestone for RFCLA, providing valuable experience as the league continues its evolution.

Tickets can be purchased online as well as from local outlets, and fans will have the unique opportunity to meet players on the field after the match, enhancing their experience and connection to the game.

This landmark match not only celebrates the growing prominence of rugby but also represents a hopeful outlook for future collaborations between leagues, fostering stronger connections across borders. The excitement surrounding this event promises to bring communities together and elevate the sport’s profile internationally.