Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans believes the British and Irish Lions should dismiss plans for a money-spinning match in France and instead face Fiji as part of their build-up to the 2029 tour of New Zealand.
Evans says the Lions need to choose between France and Fiji due to the 10-game limit on tour fixtures.
He says there is a lot of talk about France or Japan as warm-up games, but for Fiji, the priority is having regular Tier one opposition, and if that can also help transform the finances of the Fiji Rugby Union, it will be even better.
He adds that Fijians would not mind if it is in Suva or New Zealand, and highlights that New Zealand Rugby has been the most supportive Tier one union for Pacific Island nations, saying it is unlikely they would give up a Lions fixture.
Evans says Australia missed an opportunity by not involving Fiji in the recent Lions tour and criticises the use of composite teams, which failed to capture fans’ interest.
Lions CEO Ben Calveley recently said they are open to exploring pre-tour games involving Fiji or Japan, acknowledging the need to enhance early tour fixtures.
While Evans accepts that a game in France would generate significant revenue, he points out that the French domestic season’s structure and summer tours could weaken the quality of opposition, with top players unavailable.
Evans says Fiji’s priority is consistent exposure to top-level competition to grow the game, adding that the Drua’s High Performance Centre and continued development are part of long-term efforts to strengthen local rugby.
Evans also emphasised the importance of sharing broadcast revenues in the future to support Fiji Rugby’s sustainability.
He says with the Drua, young Fijian players no longer need to leave the Islands to pursue professional rugby, as the franchise supplies around 50 percent of the Flying Fijians squad now, and their goal is to keep improving every year.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Water Flying Fijians will kick off their 2025 Pacific Nations Cup campaign against Tonga at 3pm on the 30th of this month at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
