Fiji Rugby defends scheduling after women's test match put between school games

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has stood by its scheduling of the Fijiana XV's Test match against South Africa's women's rugby team. The women's international fixture is set to begin at 2pm on Saturday at HFC Bank Stadium, with school games taking place prior and following the event. The FRU has acknowledged public concerns about the schedule, but maintains that it is intended to highlight the sport from community to national and international levels.

FRU chief executive Koli Sewabu explained that the Fijiana XV are not only representing Fiji during this weekend's event, but also motivating the future generation of young athletes aspiring to wear the national colors. "We wanted our school players to experience the intensity of international rugby, and we aimed to inspire the next generation of Fijians who look up to our athletes," Sewabu stated.

Former Fijiana sevens coach Saiasi Fuli took to Facebook to express his discontent, stating that the same prestige given to the national male team should be afforded to the Fijiana XV. He argued that a test match is the ultimate validation for players and should not be a prelude to school rugby. The Fijiana XV have unveiled their roster for the match, with two rookie players - Ruth Raketekete at inside centre and Adi Vani Buleki on the wing - joining the lineup.

Coach Wille Walker named captain Kolora Lomani, who will lead from halfback, and prop Bitila Tawake, appointed vice-captain. Lomani expressed her team's anticipation for a challenging contest, acknowledging the South African side's physicality, and revealed that they have been training to counter their formidable opponents. Lomani affirmed that the South Africans have a "fighting heart."

The last time Fiji faced South Africa in women's rugby was during the 2022 World Cup, where the Fijiana emerged victorious with a scoreline of 21-17.