Historic Skipper XV Clash: Fiji’s Domestic Stars Gear Up to Take on Super Rugby Giants Fijian Drua
CJ Patel has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to Fijian rugby by securing the naming rights of the SKIPPER XV, a team that will face off against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua on February 6, 2026, at Churchill Park in Lautoka. This historic match will mark the first time that the Drua will compete against a team made up of players from the Skipper Cup, Fiji’s premier domestic rugby competition. The fixture promises to be a significant moment for both provincial rugby and player pathways in Fiji.
In support of this landmark event, Burger King Fiji has stepped in as a major sponsor, backing the Skipper Cup XV ahead of the showdown. General Manager Kavinesh Reddy expressed the company’s confidence in the strength and depth of local rugby, stating that the match is a reflection of Fiji’s rich rugby heritage. “Rugby is an integral part of Fiji’s national identity,” Reddy said, “and this match will showcase the quality and potential of our domestic game.”
This encounter will provide emerging Fijian talent with an unparalleled opportunity to test themselves against the professional standard set by the Fijian Drua, who compete in Super Rugby Pacific. For many of these provincial players, the match is a chance to show their skills at the highest level, further strengthening their aspirations for national selection.
Fiji Rugby CEO Koli Sewabu also emphasized the importance of the game, noting that it highlights the strength and competitive nature of the Skipper Cup, which remains at the heart of Fiji’s rugby development pathway. Fans are eagerly anticipating this thrilling pre-season clash, as the best of Fiji’s domestic talent will go head-to-head with one of the region’s top professional teams in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
This clash, coming just ahead of the Drua’s own pre-season match against the Chiefs in New Zealand on January 30, sets the stage for a monumental year of rugby in Fiji.
