The Fijian Drua have been formally welcomed at their new home at Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre at Lennox Head, NSW which will be their base camp for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Drua squad was welcomed by Bundjalung custodian, Lois Cook, a member of the NSW Legislative Council Ben Franklin, Ballina Shire Council Mayor David Wright, rugby personalities and community leaders.
The squad reciprocated and expressed their gratitude for the traditional welcome by singing Vanua Domoni, a traditional song about their beloved land and country.
Speaking on behalf of the squad, Fijian Drua forward Meli Derenalagi says the experience was humbling for the team as they know very well the importance of culture and being traditionally accepted into a new community.
He says they are very humbled to receive this acknowledgment and they have the utmost respect for the First Nations people of Australia.
Fijian Drua Interim CEO Brian Thorburn says the franchise was overwhelmed by the support shown by the Lennox Head community and NSW Government.
He says the NSW government has been a wonderful partner and has worked tirelessly to meet their needs which helped them confirm Lake Ainsworth as the team’s base.
Thorburn adds in addition to its world-class facilities which are ideal for a professional rugby club, Lake Ainsworth and Lennox Head offer an intimate town and community setting which will be familiar to the players.
He says the facility and its location works on two levels; balancing the teams need for focused preparations for a gruelling first season with a relaxed environment with all other amenities that players and staff need.
He adds they are confident that the squad will be comfortable for the next eight months as they prepare for and compete in the toughest professional rugby competition in the world.
Minister for Sports Natalie Ward says Fiji is one of the most exciting teams in world rugby and NSW is excited to host the Drua as they enter the Super Rugby competition for the first time.
Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin says the facilities at the Centre would provide the perfect environment for on-field success.
He says the decision for the Drua to base themselves at Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre reinforces the centre’s reputation as a centre for high-performance excellence.
Franklin adds the North Coast has some of the best facilities in NSW and they welcome these elite sporting athletes to the region.
Super Rugby Pacific will begin on the 18th of February next year.
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