FIJI Rugby Union has defended the scheduling of Saturday’s Vodafone Fijiana XV Test against South Africa alongside the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve national quarter-finals.
The decision has sparked debate among rugby fans this week. But the union says Saturday is not about choosing between the Fijiana and the Deans.
It is about celebrating the game. From the stars of today to the stars of tomorrow.
The Vodafone Fijiana XV will host South Africa in a World Rugby-sanctioned Test at HFC Bank Stadium before Fiji’s leading secondary school teams battle for places in the Deans and Raluve semi-finals.
Fiji Rugby chief executive Koli Sewabu said the occasion was bigger than one Test match.
He said it was another step in the growth of women’s rugby and a chance to inspire the next generation.
“The Vodafone Fijiana XV are not only representing Fiji this weekend, but they are also inspiring the next generation of young girls and boys who dream of wearing the white jersey,” Sewabu said. He said the day’s programme had been deliberately structured to showcase Fiji Rugby’s pathway, allowing school players to experience the atmosphere of an international Test before taking the field themselves. Board member Cathy Wong said the Test was one of the most important events on Fiji Rugby’s calendar. She said every girl watching from the stands should believe she could one day wear the Fijiana jersey.
Fiji Rugby has urged supporters to arrive early, get behind the Vodafone Fijiana XV, and stay to witness the future of Fiji rugby unfold in the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve national quarter-finals. Match kicks off at 2pm.
