Co-captains Tevita Ikanivere and Frank Lomani will lead the Fijian Drua into rugby battle on Friday afternoon when the Super Rugby Pacific outfit takes on Major League Rugby side Rugby Football Club Los Angeles in a historic cross-competition showdown.
For the first time ever, an MLR club will take on a Super Rugby Pacific side in what will no doubt be a crucial pre-season clash for both teams. RFCLA are in Fiji and joined the Drua in a joint training session at the Fiji Airways grounds earlier this week.
This week’s match will take place at Lautoka’s Churchill Park, which has proven to be a fortress for the Drua in recent seasons. The Drua recorded a memorable 25-24 upset win over the Crusaders at that very same venue in 2023 to name just one result.
Ikanivere, Lomani and other world-class players have been included in the Drua’s squad for Friday’s history-making fixture. Peni Ravai, Ponipate Loganimasi, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro and Iosefo Masi are also players to watch.
Fijian fan favourite and Olympic gold medallist Semi Kunatani is a member of a strong RFCLA squad that also includes former Wallaby Christian Leali’ifano who recently penned a deal with the relatively new MLR outfit.
“We are very grateful to the Fijian Drua and all in Fiji who have made this historic opportunity possible,” RFCLA CEO Pete Sickle said in a statement.
“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 pre-season fixture reflects the substantial growth our franchise has achieved in its first 12 months. We hope this fixture will inspire enduring traditions between the two clubs and the two countries.”
This is an important pre-season test for the Fijian Drua who will have their sights set on another strong season in Super Rugby Pacific this year. The Drua kick their season off with a crunch clash against the ACT Brumbies in Suva before taking on the Hurricanes in round two.
The Chiefs, Crusaders, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds, Blues and Western Force are all set to play away fixtures against a talented Drua side this season. With the competition pitting 11 teams against one another this season, it’ll be a fierce battle to make the top six.
Every match will be important in 2025 as each team looks to qualify for the Finals Series. But before the regular season gets underway, pre-season matches like this one against RFCLA are crucial for the Drua as they look to be at their best by mid-February.
“Super Rugby Pacific congratulations Fijian Drua and RFC Los Angeles for coming together to create this historic fixture,” Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley explained.
“With LA hosting the next Olympics and the 2031 Rugby World Cup heading to the USA, it’s a remarkable time for rugby in America.
“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.”
Fijian Drua squad for MLR vs Super Rugby Pacific showdown at 3.00 pm local time
Tevita Ikanivere (cc), Frank Lomani (cc), Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Ponipate Loganimasi, Kemu Valetini, Iosefo Masi, Vuate Karawalevu, Isikeli Rabitu, Emosi Tuqiri, Haereiti Hetet, Meli Tuni, Peni Ravai, Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Philip Baselala, Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Inia Tabuavou, Taniela Rakuro, Junior Ratuva
