Super Rugby's Pacific Island adventure has been given a massive thumbs up by the Chiefs and its understood negotiations are well advanced for a New Zealand derby to be played in Suva for the next three years.

The Fijian government underwrote Friday night's historic match between the Chiefs and Crusaders and, while the exact figure of that investment has not been revealed, it will prove to be a financial windfall for both Kiwi teams who make the trip.

Chiefs Chief Executive Andrew Flexman said that the franchise made more money from hosting the match in Suva than they would have from a sold‑out FMG Stadium in Waikato.

Understandably Flexman could not be happier with the concept, or the end result.

Flexman added that he had told Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama after the game on Saturday that they would love to come back.

Flexman also stressed the importance of taking rugby to the Islands, saying their fan base deserved this opportunity.

Source: nzherald