CJ Patel has partnered with the Fiji Rugby Union and will have the naming rights of the Skipper Cup Select side, now officially known as the SKIPPER XV.
FRU says the SKIPPER XV will face the Fijian Drua in a landmark pre-season match on 6 February 2026, marking the first time the Fijian Drua will compete against a locally selected men’s representative side drawn from the Skipper Cup provincial competition.
They say this historic fixture represents another major milestone in the partnership between CJ Patel and Fiji Rugby, a relationship built on shared values of development, opportunity, and the enduring Fijian Spirit.
FRU adds that the match provides a rare and invaluable opportunity for provincial players to showcase their talent on a professional stage, offering exposure to elite-level performance environments while accelerating national rugby development pathways.
CJ Patel Group Marketing Manager Monisha Prasad says their partnership with Fiji Rugby has always been about more than sponsorship, it is about investing in the future of Fijian rugby and creating opportunities for our young youths across the country.
She says the SKIPPER XV represents the heart of provincial rugby, and they are proud to stand alongside these players as they step onto a field against the Fijian Drua.
Fiji Rugby CEO Koli Sewabu says CJ Patel’s continued support is a powerful statement of confidence in Fijian rugby and its future.
He says the naming of the SKIPPER XV reinforces their commitment to grassroots development and the next generation of Fijian talent.
Sewabu says the SKIPPER brand has long stood alongside Fiji Rugby as a trusted partner, championing the growth of local competitions and strengthening the pathways from grassroots to the international stage.
He adds the upcoming clash between the Fijian Drua and the SKIPPER XV promises to be a thrilling contest, blending the professionalism of Super Rugby with the raw passion and pride of Fiji’s provincial game.
The SKIPPER XV will take on the Fijian Drua on the 6th of February at Churchill Park in Lautoka at 3pm.
