The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will bring more than just their famed rugby skills to Super Rugby Pacific when they run out for the first time ever against the Waratahs tonight at CommBank Stadium, Paramatta.
The team will showcase a specially created Fijian challenge – Na Bole – prior to kick-off, bringing back a tradition dating back centuries. Traditionally, Na Bole was presented by warriors heading to war. It holds a special place in Fijian history.
Fijian Drua CEO Brian Thorburn revealed that the bole was created by the team to energise and remind themselves of the task at hand. “Our Drua has finally reached the shores of Super Rugby Pacific after 25 years. The significance of this journey and opportunity is top of mind for our players, staff and Club.
When the team made the request to bring back the bole for our inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign, we immediately worked to get approval to do it from Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby. We are thankful for their understanding of how special this is for our team, our Club and country.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will present Na Bole before our first ever match tonight and all Drua home matches subsequently.”
Thorburn adds, this was yet another way the Drua would represent the culture and pride of Fiji to the world. “We’re bringing something quite special to Super Rugby Pacific in addition to that fast, fearless Fijian flair that our players are known for.
The Drua is powered by the heart and spirit of the Fijian people and we aim to make them proud on and off the field. The wordings of Na Bole encapsulate all that unites the Fijian Spirit: unwavering faith and belief in God, our connection to the vanua, the people, our vuvale and kinships, and finally, the Drua’s own values of Integrity, Discipline and (being) Relentless.”
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will unveil Na Bole for the first time prior to kick-off in their historic first match against the Waratahs tonight.
The team had a private jersey presentation last night. In what was a special moment for the Drua vuvale, former Flying Fijians Captain Simon Raiwalui did the honours of presenting the jerseys to the Matchday 23. He encouraged the players to enjoy the moment on behalf of their people and the past greats of Fijian rugby.
The team, after the jersey presentation, also performed the bole for a handful of invited guests, which included Thorburn, Head Coach Mick Byrne and Fiji Rugby CEO John O’Connor.
Fiji One News Team
