Latui set to fly in Rapid new format

Fiji Rugby’s newest franchise the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui is set to fly this weekend at Churchill Park in Lautoka for the opening round of the Global Rapid Rugby Pacific Showcase.

Global Rapid Rugby is the brainchild of Australian mining magnate and philanthropist Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forest and is designed to merge entertainment and the great game of rugby to create a new and exciting experience for fans and players.

A host of new rules including 9 point power tries, rolling substitutions, shorter halves and changes to territorial kicking rules, Rapid Rugby is designed to be just that, rapid and perfect for Fiji style.

The Global Rapid Rugby enterprise will roll into Lautoka from Wednesday this week bringing a show like no other, rivallying anything the other major competitions have produced in Fiji.

120m of sideline LED (which will remain on island for Fiji Rugby to utilise across the winter international and domestic finals season); a monster big screen, multiple camera crews, giant inflatables, on field fan competitions, live entertainment, kids activities, food, bars and more form part of the spectacle. 

Fiji party favourites the Inside Out band and DJ Christonite plus the award winning AUE Dance crew and Coca Cola famous Natabua Cheer Squad will provide the colour and atmosphere in what is sure to be rugby like Fiji’s never seen it.

Global shipping company Swire Shipping take ownership of the Fijian Latui for the 2019 Pacific Showcase following on from their successful support of the Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors and as replacement for their partnership with the now defunct Duco 10s team the Fiji Giants.

Under the guide of Regional Manager Chis De Villiers, Swire Shipping have been passionate supporters of Fiji’s on island talent contributing significantly financially and operationally to the success of their partner events.

The Global Rapid Rugby Pacific Showcase will feature two matches in Fiji at Churchill Park, Lautoka on Saturday 18th May vs Kagifa Samoa and Saturday 25th May vs Western Force, kick off at 3.10pm.

In order to encourage fans to jump in and enjoy the spectacle tickets are at a family friendly $10 granstand, $5 embankment, with children under 12 onto the embankment for free. 

Both rounds will be opened by Vodafone Vanua Championship curtain raisers, with Yasawa hosting Vatukoula in week one and the Lautoka v Yasawa western derby on round 2.

The Latui will then travel to Auckland to play Kagifa Samoa on June 7 and to Perth to rematch the Western Force on June 21.

The Latui have been preparing for the series alongside their respective Skipper Cup commitments for the past month, under 2018 Fiji Coach of the Year Senirusi Seruvakula, with this extra competition providing a perfect transition from the Fijian Warriors programme for many of the nation’s targeted players working towards selection in the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua later this month.

Tickets for the Global Rapid Rugby Pacific Showcase can be purchased from Lautoka City Council or at Churchill Park on match day.

Gates open at 10.30am for the Vodafone Vanua Championship fixtures between Yasawa and Vatukoula – Under 19s 10.30am, Seniors at 12.15pm and the Women to follow the Rapid Rugby at 5pm.

For more information regarding Global Rapid Rugby, particularly the rules please head to www.rapidrugby.com .