Historic MLR-Super Rugby trial fixture announced as Fijian Drua take on RFCLA

The Fijian Drua are set to make history as they host Major League Rugby side Rugby Football Club LA for a pre-season trial.

It will mark the first time an MLR team will face a Super Rugby side, set to be played on January 24 at Lautoka.

Former Wallaby and Samoan playmaker Christian Leali’ifano headlines the RFCLA squad, signing with them for the upcoming season after finishing his stint with Moana Pasifika

They are joined by former Red Dane Zader and a host of Shute Shield talent, including Randwick captain Ben Houston, and are coached by Waratahs legends Dave Dennis and Stephen Hoiles.

“Super Rugby Pacific congratulates Fijian Drua and RFC Los Angeles for coming together to create this historic fixture,” said Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley. 

“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.”

"As Major League Rugby continues to grow and evolve, it's exciting to be able to explore new challenges that will push our squads to be better and bring our league to more people around the world,” MLR counterpart Nic Benson believes. 

“The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is an iconic franchise, and this test will not only prepare RFCLA for the upcoming MLR season, but also mark a historic moment in the ongoing journey of MLR.

The Fijian Drua are coming off their maiden SRP finals appearance and are stacked with Fijian internationals, headlined by co-captains Tevita Ikanivere and Frank Lomani.

“The Fijian Drua are very excited to host Rugby FCLA in Fiji and be the first Super Rugby Pacific Club to engage with the MLR,” said Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby Baden Stephenson.

“This game will provide our players, coaches and fans with a new and different stimulus and challenge. 

“The Fijian Drua have made a big impact globally since joining Super Rugby in 2022 and our international reach, reputation and engagement will continue to grow as we build unique partnerships in new markets such as Los Angeles.”

"We are very grateful to the Fijian Drua and all in Fiji who have made this historic opportunity possible,” added RFCLA CEO Pete Sickle.

“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 preseason fixture reflects the substantial growth our franchise has achieved in its first twelve months. We hope this fixture will inspire enduring traditions between the two clubs and the two countries.