The Fiji Rugby Union is working on finding a new name for the Fijiana Drua that epitomises a Fijian woman.
This follows requests for the Fijiana to move away from the Drua name which is taken up by the men’s team competing in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.
FRU acting chief executive officer Tevita Tuiloa confirmed there were plans to change the Fijiana Drua name and they were working with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs on finding a perfect match.
“There were a few names suggested by the iTaukei Affairs that the (FRU) board is actually looking at but unfortunately because the competition is starting on the 25th of March, we did not have enough time to change the name because of all the branding and merchandises,” Tuiloa said.
“So we are hoping to get that approved in the April annual general meeting.
“It is about finding the right iTaukei name that fits a Fijian woman. That is the challenge we are putting to the iTaukei Affairs if they can find a dynamic, agile, robust iTaukei name to match that.”
While not elaborating on what names have been put forward, he said they were trying to find a name that was unique to Fiji.
“We are trying to link it to species or animals that are endemic to Fiji,” he said.
“Obviously, the Drua was a sensible choice because we are mostly ocean people and we are on a journey to take Fiji rugby to the next level.
“There were a couple of names which I cannot disclose for a number of obvious reasons, that is a decision to be made by the board and that will be made in due course.”
The Fijiana Drua won the Super W title in its inaugural year last year – remaining unbeaten throughout the season.
The side faces the Brumbies in their opening match at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on March 25. The FRU annual general meeting will be held in April.
