“We are very grateful to the Fijian Drua and all in Fiji who have made this historic opportunity possible,” said RFCLA chief executive officer (CEO) Pete Sickle.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will host the Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA) for their pre-season match at Churchill Park, Lautoka on January 24.
This was confirmed by the Drua in a press statement yesterday.
It will be the first time for a Super Rugby Pacific team to meet a Major League Rugby (MLR) team.
RFCLA squad features Olympic gold medallist and Navosa man Semi Kuntani.
The club also signed former Moana Pasifika captain Christian Leali’ifano, as well as marquee Waratahs and Super Rugby Pacific title winners and 2025 RFCLA coaches Stephen Hoiles and David Dennis.
Fijian Drua general manager rugby Baden Stephenson said they’re excited to be the first Super Rugby Pacific team to host RCFLA.
“This game will provide our players, coaches and fans with a new and different stimulus and challenge,” he said.
“The Fijian Drua have made a big impact globally since joining Super Rugby in 2022 and our international reach, reputation and engagement will continue to grow as we build unique partnerships in new markets such as Los Angeles.”
“We are very grateful to the Fijian Drua and all in Fiji who have made this historic opportunity possible,” said RFCLA chief executive officer (CEO) Pete Sickle.
“As a new franchise in a relatively new competition, we are honoured to share a Super Rugby Pacific Pitch in Fiji — a beautiful country with a passionate rugby community.
“For our players and our fans, this momentous preseason fixture reflects the substantial growth our franchise has achieved in its first twelve months.
“We hope this fixture will inspire enduring traditions between the two clubs and the two countries.”
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said: “Super Rugby Pacific congratulates Fijian Drua and RFC Los Angeles for coming together to create this historic fixture.
“As a competition we are excited by the opportunity to build stronger ties with the MLR, grow rugby in the broader Pacific region and showcase our great clubs like the Fijian Drua to new audiences.”
Admission
Tickets for the match at Churchill Park will start at $5 for the grass embankments and $10 for the timber, Gold, Silver and Waitui Stands.
Tickets will be available for sale online at drua.flicket.io as well as Jack’s of Fiji outlets, XL Sports outlets and Damodar Cinemas.
To make it even more enticing, the Fijian Drua and RFCLA will invite fans on to the field at the conclusion of the match, allowing them to meet their favourite stars in person.
– Fijian Drua
