Fijian Drua fans at Churchill Park, Lautoka. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Fijian Drua generated an unprecedented FJ$108 million (approximately NZ$80m) contribution to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Nadi-based franchise revealed this on Wednesday, following the publication of an independent analysis by ANZ Research, published on ANZ's Pacific Insight.
The report is authored by Dr Kishti Sen, ANZ's international economist for the Pacific and Tom Kenny, ANZ's senior international economist.
Dr Sen described the Drua's impact as "the largest recurring economic event in Fiji outside of the Pacific Games".
He said the franchise has played an important role in stimulating business activity and driving growth.
"Drua's impact as the largest recurring economic event in Fiji outside of the Pacific Games underscores the Club's vital role in stimulating business activity and driving growth," he said.
Hussein said the Fijian Drua is the fulfilment of a dream - that Fiji can host and compete with the best teams in the world on the field. Photo: Getty Images
Fijian Drua general manager commercial Shane Hussein said the report confirms that the franchise is more than just a rugby club, helping drive the economy.
"The Drua have become a national economic engine," Hussein said.
"This is more than rugby. Every home game now acts as a catalyst for growth, creating jobs, filling seats on our National Airline, filling up rooms at the Tanoa Hotel Group and other hotels, supporting local businesses, and showcasing Fiji to the world.
"This report validates what we've known all along: the Drua aren't just competing in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, we're helping drive Fiji forward."
Hussein said the Fijian Drua is the fulfilment of a dream - that Fiji can host and compete with the best teams in the world on the field.
"It is very gratifying to note that we're making an even bigger contribution off the field for our beloved country," he stated.
"We are grateful for the support of all our sponsors, partners, stakeholders and of course - our fans - for making it all possible.
"The Fijian Drua will continue to invest in our women's and men's teams and event experience for even greater economic contributions in the coming seasons."
"Looking ahead, the Drua are committed to partnering with stakeholders, sponsors, and government agencies to build on this momentum."
The report said FJ$26m was made from direct spending coming from ticket sales, stadium operations and in-game purchases.
An additional FJ$82m was recorded in indirect benefits, driven by sports tourism, flights, accommodation, transport, retail, media and advertising sectors.
Other key findings in the report stated that every FJ$1 spent on game-day experiences generated FJ$2.31 in economic activity across the country, and that over 58,000 spectators attended home games, with thousands of overseas visitors also travelling with Super Rugby teams or turned up to watch the games.
The franchise said international broadcast of Drua matches to millions of homes have elevated Fiji's global profile, positioning the nation as a premier sports tourism destination.
Meanwhile, the franchise will look for a new chief executive, following the annoucement that incumbent Mark Evans will finish off with the fanchise at the end of December.
Fijian Drua board chairman Brent Impey acknowledged Evans leadership, saying his contribution has helped lay the foundation in place for the Drua to be successful both on and off the field.
Evans will continue in the role until 31 December.
