Fans back Fijian Drua

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Fijian Drua assistant coach Glen Jackson (left) with players during the training run at the Nadi International School grounds. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has received an overwhelming response for its membership program for the 2023 Shop N Save Supermarket Super Rugby Pacific competition.

The program was launched on Wednesday, however, the registrations had opened earlier.

The Fijian Drua has already signed up a foundation member which is high up at the prestige end of the membership.

Fijian Drua head of commercial and marketing Shane Hussein said interest had been great.

“The interest for registrations was put out a while ago and a lot of people have signed up and they just want to know when their interest goes live,” Hussein said.

“We have contacted some people and are in the process of contacting the rest of them.

“We have already sold a foundation membership since the system was available which is good news. Foundation membership is right at the higher end. It is a two-year deal and is priced at $2995. So you get all the benefits across over the two years and you are literally part of the foundation of the club.

“It is limited to 100 people only. But membership packs start from as low as $235.”

Hussein said this was Fiji’s first ever professional sports membership program.

“What we are doing on the back of that is a marking and education campaign as to what memberships actually are about. Memberships allow fans to buy tickets in packs so they can get three match tickets for Suva and three for Lautoka or the entire season match pack for all six home games of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition.

“There are six different ticket options and three different non ticket options.

“Memberships mean that you really are part of our family.

“You are in the inner circle because you get exclusive content from the club. You get dedicated seating and all the other benefits like exclusive gifts.”

The Fijian Drua home games last year against the Highlanders and the Chiefs were sold out. Hussein said the benefit of the membership program would allow fans to have secured tickets.

“One thing that we experienced last year in Fiji, particularly the Chiefs game in Lautoka, was that some fans walked up to the gate and the venue was sold out,” he said.

“We had to close the ticketing booth and gate. So the fans were left standing as they were trying to get in. We could not let in more fans than the number allowed at the venue.

“So one way to secure the tickets is to purchase the tickets early or purchase tickets via the membership.

“That is the benefit of the membership program.”