THE Test match between the Vodafone Fijiana XV and the Wallaroos is an extension of the Vuvale Partnership.
These were the sentiments of Fiji Rugby Union’s operations and development general manager Sale Sorovaki, in a media conference at Rugby House in Suva yesterday.
He acknowledged the work of the Australian Government through its foreign affairs department, particularly in its efforts to facilitate the progression of sports in the region.
“This is an extension of the Vuvale Partnership between the Fijian Government and the Australian Government and through their foreign affairs, they’ve extended this arm to assist sports in the Pacific,” Sorovaki highlighted.
He hoped the extension would pave the way for more assistance in the sporting arena, particularly for women.
“Most importantly for us in Fiji to get more assistance and especially help our women to whatever sport they choose.
“But for us as a rugby organisation, we would like to see your support in numbers on Saturday.”
The Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership was first signed in 2019 as a beacon for closer cooperation, consultation and friendship between the two nations.
The partnership irons out sports diplomacy in pillar one which focuses on strengthening people-to-people links.
“We will build on existing sports diplomacy initiatives, with an emphasis on increasing participation of girls, women and people with disabilities,” the partnership points out.
It ensured the partnership would evoke core principles such as engaging each other with trust, respect and understanding for instance.
The partnership was re-committed on October 18, 2023 by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his Aussie counterpart, Anthony Albanese.
Meanwhile, the Fijiana XV meet the Wallaroos at 5.30pm on Saturday.
