The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua today received a sponsorship secured under the Australian Government's PacificAus Sports program to compete in the Super W and Super Rugby Pacific competitions for the next four seasons.
The new sponsorship deal was launched today by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and Australia's Minister for Defence Industry and International Development, and the Pacific, Pat Conroy.
Rabuka says within two years of engagement in the Super Rugby competitions, we have seen the return on their investment and support in the lives of Fijian families and communities.
He says now young people have the opportunity to dare to dream about a life that sports can offer them.
He adds Australia’s contribution to Fiji’s sporting teams through the PacificAus Sports Program is the most successful Australian-funded program in Fiji and will contribute to the development of the Fijian people in ways we cannot imagine right now.
Rabuka also acknowledged Australia's ongoing support towards the development of rugby at all levels in Fiji.
He highlighted that it is incumbent upon our Fijian warriors to maintain our ethos and demonstrate that true rugby obliges a greater honour than oneself, contributing to the growth of the game that promotes unity, inclusivity and character development.
Speaking on behalf of the Australian Government, Conroy says through the PacificAus Sports program, they are offering pathways for Fijian players, coaches and officials to train, exchange and engage with Australia’s rugby community and this enhances their people-to-people links and deepens our bonds, providing more opportunities for Fijian players, women and men, to compete in elite competitions.
We're grateful to have PacificAusSports @dfat for another four years 🇫🇯🤝🇦🇺 Vinaka#PacificAusSports#TosoDrua pic.twitter.com/EJ9zSLGpwh
— Fijian Drua (@Fijian_Drua) October 16, 2023
He says he is pleased to announce today that the Australian Government will continue its support for the Fijiana Drua and Fijian Drua to compete in the Super W and Super Rugby Pacific competitions for the next four seasons.
The PacificAus Sports Program is a flagship initiative of the Australian Government, with a funding commitment of $52 million from 2019 to 2023, now with a new sponsorship deal for another four years.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season will kick off on the 23rd of February next year.
