AS the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season kicks off, a fierce showdown between Fiji’s top rugby giants is set to ignite the infamous Churchill Park in Lautoka at 4pm today.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, Fiji’s premier professional rugby team, will take on the Skipper Select XV, a talented squad made up of the best players from the domestic provincial competitions.
This isn’t just a warm-up game; it is a battle that could define the landscape of Fijian rugby for the years ahead.
For the Drua, this fixture is about more than just fine-tuning their squad.
It’s their chance to stamp authority as the top local rugby franchise, proving they stand a class above the Skipper Cup and other domestic competitions.
The Drua squad, packed with players battle harden at the highest levels from Super Rugby to international tests, will be eager to show their strength and readiness for the tough Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season ahead.
Opposite them is the Skipper Select XV, a fresh and exciting team assembled from the cream of Fiji’s grassroots rugby talent focussed and determined to test the mantle of one of the Pacific’s elite rugby franchises.
Led by headcoach Rupeni Nasiga, this team is a clear statement of the Fiji Rugby Union’s commitment to developing local players and providing them a pathway into the professional ranks.
Morale is high in the camp with the local players training the house down eager for this defining opportunity proving that they also belong on a bigger stage.
With the team confirmed to participate at a four nations invitational tournament later this year in South Africa, the match will provide significant insight to the team’s ability to compete against quality and top tier opposition.
Fijian Drua co-captain Temo Mayanavanua spoke about the importance of this match for the Skipper Select players.
“I know there will be boys in the Skipper Select who are really talented and hungry to be in this set-up. Who knows? God might bless them with an opportunity,” he said.
Mayanavanua knows firsthand how vital this pathway is. He, along with fellow Drua co-captain Frank Lomani, rose through the Skipper Cup ranks before reaching professional rugby.
“We know how it feels to be on the outside and looking in,” he said, highlighting the significance of giving local players a chance to shine.
The Drua are equally fired up for the match. “The boys are really geared up and hyped for this game,” Mayanavanua added.
He also called on fans to come out in numbers to Churchill Park to support both teams. “It’s going to be an exciting game full of Fijian flair, big hits and it’s going to be an epic one.”
This match is more than just a game; it’s a collision of two rugby dynasties—one established and professional, the other rising and hungry.
It’s a showcase of how Fiji’s rugby system is evolving, connecting grassroots talent to the professional stage.
Fans can expect a thrilling contest that will set the tone for the season and highlight the bright future of Fijian rugby.
