‘About national pride’: Fijian Drua lock in home venues for 2027 season

Fijian Drua CEO Jeff Miller says the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season will be “about national pride” and inspiring the next generation, with the club confirming the home venues for all eight home matches in 2027.

Defending champions the Hurricanes will play at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium, as one of the three matches heading to Fiji’s capital. The Queensland Reds and Crusaders will also visit the venue during the 17-week regular season.

The Drua have announced that three fixtures will be played at Four R Stadium in Ba, including a round one clash with the Highlanders on February 13. Churchill Park will also host two matches, with the Blues and ACT Brumbies set to visit Lautoka.

2026 runners-up the Chiefs, who have been beaten in the last four Super Rugby Pacific Grand Finals, are the only team not scheduled to play in Fiji during the regular season. The Hurricanes, Highlanders, Reds, Blues, Western Force, Brumbies, Crusaders and NSW Waratahs all will.

 

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“Bringing our fixtures across Suva, Lautoka and Ba means taking top-tier rugby directly into our communities,” Miller said.

“Every home venues is a fortress for us because our fans make it so. When you fill those stands and the embarkment, you become our 16th player on the field and make Fiji one of the toughest away trips in the sport. This season is about more than 80 minutes on the field, it is about national pride, inspiring the next generation and showing Fiji’s ability to take on the best in the world. We need the Drua Nation with us and we know they’ll be as excited as we are with the 2027 fixtures.”

Coach Brad Mooar added: “It’s fantastic to have our home venues locked in and we are incredibly excited to play in front of our home crowd eight times this season. To our fans, your support means everything to us, whether you are singing in the stands in Fiji or cheering from home. We can’t wait to see you out there.”

Former All Blacks and Crusaders assistant Mooar has taken over as Drua head coach ahead of the 2027 season, bringing championship-winning experience to the club after a stellar six season stint with the Super Rugby powerhouse.

Mooar played a role in four title-winning campaigns with the Crusaders, and worked under Ian Foster as an All Blacks assistant for two years. The New Zealander has penned a two-year deal with the Drua, as the club prepares to usher in its new era.

“I’ve loved being part of this club and working alongside such great people. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time here,” Mooar said in a Crusaders media release.

“The relationships I’ve built here won’t change, and I look forward to watching the Crusaders continue to thrive while staying connected to the club in the years ahead.”

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge added: “During his time with us, we have benefited not only from Brad’s sharp sense of humour and positive presence, but also from his analytical, thoughtful and astute rugby mind.

“On behalf of everyone at the Crusaders, I would like to sincerely thank Brad for his contribution and wish him, his family and the Drua every success for the future. We look forward to staying connected and following the next chapter of his coaching journey.”