The absence of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s powerful iBole in recent Super Rugby Pacific matches has been clarified, with CEO Jack Mesley confirming it is not a ban but a matter of player welfare and match logistics.
Mesley addressed concerns following questions on why the traditional war dance was not performed during the Drua’s home games in Fiji and their clash against the Auckland Blues in Auckland.
“No, I mean, I want the Drua to be able to perform it,” Mesley said.
“Here in Fiji, we have had heat issues.”
He explained that extreme weather conditions have played a major role locally, with existing heat protocols prioritising player safety.
“In Auckland, that was a different issue. It was a timing issue. The request to do it came through very late and all of the run sheets and the TV had already all been organised. So that was a different issue.”
Despite the setbacks, Mesley reaffirmed Super Rugby’s support for the iBole, describing it as a unique and valued part of the Drua identity.
“We have invited the Drua to do it in Christchurch at Super Round and we hope they take up that invitation because we would love to see them do it in front of a full stadium in a couple of weeks’ time and it’s going to be a great event.
“That’s up to the Drua to see if they want to bring it to Christchurch. But I do hope we can see it at home games for the rest of the year.”
Looking ahead, Mesley said making the iBole a permanent feature would depend on addressing key challenges, particularly the impact of heat in Fiji.
“Well, we need to deal with the heat. So that’s as simple as that. So, you know, we hope with a later kickoff that helps.
“We have to look at more night games in Fiji, potentially, and then that comes back to lighting and broadcast quality lighting. So, you know, we’ll continue to work on those things with the Drua.
“But just to reinstate, we love it and we want to see it.”
He said ongoing discussions around scheduling and infrastructure would be crucial.
“The heat protocols are limiting its ability to be performed. But, you know, we’ll continue to look at timings of kickoffs and see if we can get some more night games earlier in the season that hopefully temperature will play less of a role in it.”
The iBole remains a significant cultural expression for the Drua, and fans may soon see its return as efforts continue to balance tradition with player welfare and broadcast demands.
