VINOD Patel Ba will face the Drua Development XV in the curtain-raiser for the Super Rugby fixture on March 14 between the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and the Brumbies at 4R Govind Park.
“For the Vinod Patel Ba team to play the Drua Development is a huge honour,” Ba Rugby Union President, Daksesh Patel said, “especially with the venue being the historic Govind Park, which was originally built 50 years ago in 1976 and named after a former mayor of Ba, Kishore Govind.”
“This initiative will give the senior Ba players a big boost as they continue their off-season preparations ahead of the 2026 Skipper Cup.”
Patel added that the union’s objectives “are not only to build a great rugby team but also to provide something good for the community and help young players to continue their schooling so that they have several options ahead of them.”
“Traditionally, Ba has not been a strong rugby province and is still behind most other major unions in terms of human resources, experience and facilities. But the BRU Executives believe in what we are doing to help social integration, reduce isolation and provide proper pathways for our players and officials alike.”
“The Fijian Drua are an integral part of rugby in Fiji, looked up to and admired by all local players. I am sure this game will become a catalyst to enhance provincial rugby’s fledgling relationship with the Drua and Super Rugby,” Patel said.
Fijian Drua development coach Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani also expressed his satisfaction with the line-up of curtain-raisers, which also include Malolo and the Aussie Fijians U20s.
“The curtain-raisers are a great addition to the Drua match days, and fans will get double the value and enjoy two games on the same day.”
Patel acknowledged the Drua’s invitation and thanked the management for their forethought.
“The Ba Rugby Union and the people of Ba will extend a very warm welcome to the Drua Development team when they run out to face Vinod Patel Ba on 14 March.”
