The weather event that smashed South-East Queensland has delivered a surprise sporting coup to the Sunshine Coast.
The Coast has picked up what promises to be a thrilling Super Rugby game, involving a number of international players.
Competition newcomers Fijian Drua were due to collide with the Melbourne Rebels at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
However, the impacts of flooding has forced organisers to look elsewhere. The field was completely under water on Monday.
The game will now be held at Sunshine Coast Stadium at Bokarina, on Friday, March 4, from 6.45pm.
The Round 3 match will represent Fijian Drua’s first ‘home game’ in the new-look Pacific competition, which includes teams from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
Fijian Drua CEO Brian Thorburn said they felt for people impacted by the recent deluge.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the adverse weather conditions in parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales,” he said via a Super Rugby Pacific press release.
“For our Round 3 match, we’ve really had no choice but to move the game given the flooding and water levels in and around Suncorp Stadium.
“We’ve had to make an early call due to the significant logistics associated with moving a match only three days before kick-off.
“Anyone who has already purchased a ticket for the match will be offered a full refund.”
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It’s Fijian Drua’s first season in an elite competition, after a revamp to the Super Rugby competition.
With the withdrawal of South African and Argentinian teams, organisers invited Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika (Samoa and Tonga) to join this year’s 12-team competition.
Drua has struggled to make an impression during the first two rounds, with successive losses to the Brumbies and Waratahs.
Ticket prices for the match will be priced at $20 for adults, while children under 16 will be allowed in for free.
Tickets will be available from Ticketek from Wednesday afternoon.
The match will also be live and on demand on Stan Sport.
