Historic day in Fiji as Drua stun Brumbies in Ba stadium opener

The Fijian Drua delivered an afternoon to remember in Ba, beating the Brumbies 42-27 in the first Super Rugby Pacific match played at the new Four R Stadium on Saturday.

In front of a packed and passionate crowd, the Drua claimed their first-ever win over the Australian side, turning the stadium’s opening game into a historic moment for the club and its supporters.

The weather was as dramatic as the rugby. One moment, the sun blazed in the hot, humid conditions: the next, a heavy tropical downpour swept across the ground.

But nothing could quiet the thousands of fans who packed the stadium to see the Drua make a dream start in their new home.

Drua captain Frank Lomani said the win meant everything to the players and the community.

It felt “so special”, Lomani told a post-match interview. He said to get the win in front of their people and at the new stadium was something they would remember for a long time.

Fijian Drua fans at Four R Stadium in Ba, Fiji. Photo/Facebook

“We want to keep the momentum and a winning streak in Fiji… looking forward to the game in Lautoka. The boys are really excited.”

The home side struck first through flanker Etonia Waqa, who brushed aside Brumbies flyhalf Tane Embed before racing down the touchline to score and ignite the Ba crowd.

Despite two yellow cards in the first half, the Drua kept their edge and continued to trouble the visitors.

Drua flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula also reached a personal milestone, kicking the first penalty of the match to move past 200 career points in Super Rugby.

His boot proved crucial throughout the match, converting most of Drua's tries and delivering a perfectly weighted cross-kick that set up Ilaisa Droaese in the corner.

Brumbies number eight Rob Valetini also marked a personal milestone, celebrating his 100th Super Rugby appearance. The Australian international, who has Fijian heritage, reached the landmark in front of family and friends.

The Drua went into halftime with a 20-12 lead and returned with even more energy after the break.

On debut, Sairusi Ravudi powered through Brumbies defenders from close range early in the second half, sending the crowd into another frenzy.

The Brumbies fought back, with two tries to Toby MacPherson and Ryan Lonergan cutting the gap to 10 points and keeping the pressure on the home side.

Earlier in the match, the visitors had several opportunities, dominating territory at times and putting the Drua scrum under pressure. But Fiji’s desperate defence held firm.

Droaese try ultimately proved the decisive moment, giving the Drua breathing room before the Brumbies crossed late through fullback and captain Andy Muirhead.

After the match, Muirhead told reporters his side struggled once the Drua found their rhythm.

“We dominated possession and territory in the first half and we just didn’t capitalise from our mistakes.

“And obviously they went into the half and had a lead, then they got into some Fiji rugby and we weren’t clinical enough to close out.”

The Drua stay in Fiji next week but shift to Lautoka, where they will host the Queensland Reds next Saturday. The Brumbies return home to Canberra to face the Gallagher Chiefs from Hamilton. For more on Super Rugby Pacific 2026, click here.