Chiefs to host Fijian Drua in 2026 pre-season matchup

The back-to-back Super Rugby Pacific runners up, the Chiefs, have announced their first home pre-season matchup for the 2026 season, against the Fijian Drua.

Last season, the two teams played each other once, with the Drua coming out on top, 28-24 at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

But this season the two teams will play each other in pre-season, where the Drua will travel to Sir Gordon Tietjens field, at Blake Park in Mount Maunganui at 3pm on January 30.

Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis says that the organisation is looking forward to playing the Drua down in Tauranga, after getting a great crowd down at their regular season matchup against the Force in 2025.

“We loved the energy and passion from our Chiefs supporters in the Bay last year. Bringing the team back to Tauranga and the Mount is a natural fit, and Blake Park will provide a great opportunity for fans to get close to the action as we prepare for the 2026 season,” Graafhuis said.

The Hamilton-based franchise has announced that under 12-year-old’s will be able to enter for free, while youth tickets cost just $10, and adults are priced at $20 for the pre-season encounter.

Pre-purchased memberships for the season will be given free entry, providing an extra opportunity to catch the Chiefs in action before the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season kicks off.

Today’s announcement comes after the Blues announced a couple of pre-season fixtures last week, including one against the Hurricanes on January 30 at Sacred Heart College, and the Crusaders on Waitangi Day at Takapuna Rugby Club.

Takapuna Rugby Club Manager Sandra Southworth says that they are looking forward to hosting the Blues, as they have done a couple of times in the past during pre-season.

“We always have an amazing turnout when the Blues play at our ground and we can’t wait to do it again,” she said on a Blues statement.

“Onewa Domain is the perfect place to watch footy up close – you can feel the impact, hear the calls, and share in the energy and vibe. It’s going to be a fantastic Waitangi Day for Harbour rugby.”