Fiji Rugby today confirmed two historic and final test matches for the Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15’s in their Rugby World Cup preparations, hosting Wahine Maori 15s and Canada in Suva.
The Rooster Chicken Fijiana plays New Zealand’s Wahine Maori side on 16 September and then meet Canada a week later on Friday, 23 September.
Both matches kick off at 6pm and will be played at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
FRU Acting Chief Executive Sale Sorovaki said it’s indeed a milestone for the union to host two high-profile teams in Fiji.
‘We have not played any international test matches here at home and to get Wahine Maori and Canada, is just setting up another level when it comes to women’s in rugby.
With World Rugby’s initiative of dedicating the month of September to Women’s Rugby, these two matches are vital in promoting the women’s game in Fiji, and most importantly, give our Fijiana team the much-needed game time it needs leading up to our first ever participation in Women’s Rugby World Cup to be held in New Zealand.
It is also a great opportunity for the fans who are raring to see our Fijiana girls play at home to come down on the two Saturdays and support the Fijiana 15s which will be flying our flag for the first time at Rugby World Cup in New Zealand,” said Sorovaki.
Sorovaki added that the ticket prices and other necessary details would be released in due course.
Meanwhile, Fijiana Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a 32-member extended squad for the two test matches.
Seruvakula has made changes and has included a few players who were impressive during the Oceania Championship earlier this year.
Players such as Bitila Tawake, Jade Coates, Sereima Leweniqila, Reijieli Laqeretabua and Roela Radiniyavuni will guide the pack.
The Fijiana 15s 32-member extended squad:
Hookers
Vika Matarugu
Jiowana Sauto
Bitila Tawake
Props
Iris Verebalavu
Mereoni Namositava
Vuanimasei Rasolea
Joma Sera
Bulou Vasuturaga
Tiana Robanakadavu
Locks
Asinate Serevi
Sulita Waisega
Jade Coates
Laisa Taga
Merevesi Ofakimalino
Flankers
Sereima Leweniqila
Karalaini Naisewa
Akosita Ravato
Ema Adivitaloga
Fulori Nabura
Halfback
Ana Maria Roqica
Evivi Senikarivi
Flyhalf
Merewalesi Rokouono
Kolora Lomani
Center
Raijieli Laqeretabua
Vani Arei
Mela Matanatabu
Wings
Vitalina Naikore
Ilisapeci Delaiwau
Akasnisi Sokoiwasa
Talei Wilson
Fullbacks
Roela Radiniyavuni
Timaima Ravisa
