The Rise of the Drua captures the trials and tribulations both on and off the field for the Club, players and staff as they continuously relocated, re-homed and ultimately returned to Fiji. Photo: Fijian Drua
The rise of the Fijian Drua rugby team and how it has captivated a nation, is now chronicled in a book.
Written by leading rugby commentator Greg Clark and veteran sports writer Norman Tasker, the book titled The Rise of the Drua - How a rugby dream captivated a nation" offers fans and readers an inside look at the inspiring journey some 25 years in the making.
The Fijian Drua franchise said in a statement on Thursday the book chronicles how the team was brought together during the height of the Covid crisis and its remarkable ascent in Super Rugby Pacific.
Fijian Drua chief executive Mark Evans said the book captures the trials and tribulations both on and off the field for the Club, players and staff as they continuously relocated, re-homed and ultimately returned to Fiji.
"This book is a written documentation of a journey through the highs and lows, the victories and challenges, that define the essence of the Drua," Evans said.
"It celebrates our team's unwavering Fijian spirit, the dedication of our players, and the unwavering support. of our fans. It's a must-read for anyone who loves rugby and wants to understand the heart of the Fijian Drua."
The Rise of the Drua: How a rugby dream captivated a nation. Photo: Fijian Drua
The Fijian Drua said the book is a tribute to the players, coaches, staff, sponsors and "the world's best fans who have made the Drua one of the most loved teams of the competition in a short time".
The team first made it on to the rugby scene in August 2017 and played in the Australian National Rugby Cghampionship from 2017 to 2019, making two semifinal appearance in 2017 and 2019 and won the title in 2018.
In 2021, the franchise was included in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, along with Moana Pasifika, making their debut in 2022.
Quarterfinal appearance in 2023 and 2024 has placed the team amongst the top eight in the competitionf for two consecutive years.
The book will be available for purchase at a wide range of retail outlets from 11 October with a paperback version priced at F$35 and a hardback version, priced at FJ$50.