Swire Shipping has signed a two-year sponsorship deal that will see it become the branding and naming rights sponsor to the Fijian Drua – Super Rugby Pacific’s newest professional Club.
This is part of its commitment to developing young Fijian rugby talent for the global stage, and also to underscore its strong, historical bonds with the Pacific region.
“Over the years, we have seen immense talent from both young men and women at grassroots rugby in Fiji. Through our sponsorship, we hope to inspire them and to provide them a springboard to enter the professional competition for rugby in the region,” Swire Shipping’s Regional Manager for the Pacific Islands Alex Pattison said.
“Also, we understand the importance of what the Drua means to the community, the economy and the positivity it will bring to Fiji, after 18 tumultuous months of COVID,” he added in a statement issued by the company today.
In the same statement, Fijian Drua interim CEO Brian Thorburn welcomed the major sponsor into the Club family.
“We are grateful and honoured that our team will become the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua as of today. As our foundation naming rights and branding sponsor, Swire Shipping has effectively secured its place in Fijian professional rugby history,” Thorburn said.
“The synergy between our organisations is quite poetic, and we share similar values of quality and excellence. We are delighted to set sail on our maiden voyage with Swire Shipping and are confident that it will be a mutually beneficial journey.
“The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will prominently feature the major sponsor on the team’s playing and training kits, along with other off-field apparel.”
Thorburn said to secure such a a renowned and respected company as a major sponsor was yet another show of confidence by partners in their franchise.
He said the Fijian Drua may be a young Club, but it was one with very strong roots.
Swire Shipping has a close association with Fiji rugby, having been a sponsor since 2017.
The company is already a naming rights sponsor of the Swire Fijian Warriors, the representative Fijian team participating in the Pacific Nations Cup.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will make its Super Rugby Pacific debut in February 2022.
