The Fijian Drua’s home base in Nadi recently hosted contestants from the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, marking an intriguing blend of pageantry and rugby as the team prepares for their inaugural Super Rugby Pacific match against Moana Pasifika this Saturday.
The seven contestants, alongside the reigning Miss Pacific Islands, Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan, were warmly welcomed by the Drua’s general manager of rugby, Baden Stephenson, general manager of commercial operations, Shane Hussein, and head of sales, Josefa Vanuaca. This visit provided a valuable opportunity for the contestants to delve into the Drua’s rich history and the core values that define the club.
Ieremia-Allan expressed gratitude for the insights gained during their visit, emphasizing the importance of cultural connections among Pacific peoples. “I appreciated learning about the history and I think navigating our Blue Continent ties us together as Pacific people,” she remarked. Her reflections underscored themes of resilience and cultural preservation, vital for pushing forward shared narratives and heritage.
The reigning queen highlighted her past experiences as a rugby player, recalling her time on the field alongside former Fijian Drua Women players, emphasizing the interconnectedness of sports and culture.
In tandem, Shane Hussein pointed out that the Drua’s dynamic identity in the high-performance environment of Super Rugby is a testament to how they represent Pacific culture on an international stage. He cited the team’s pre-match war chant, “Na Bole,” as a prime example of honoring their cultural roots while competing at a high level.
The contestants are set to participate not only in the match at Churchill Park in Lautoka, which kicks off at 3:30 PM, but will also engage with fans in a meet-and-greet session afterward. They will conclude their day with the crowning event at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island.
This engaging exchange between the pageant contestants and the Fijian Drua illustrates the significance of uniting sports and cultural heritage, celebrating shared stories that bind the Pacific community together.
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