The two-Test Series is a vital preparation step for both Japan and the Vodafone Fijiana XV team.
Both teams have recently qualified for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.
Fiji booked its ticket during the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship in Brisbane two weeks ago and Japan and got the job done in Hong Kong beating the host nation as well as Kazakhstan last month.
The two teams face the same challenge in getting enough Test matches to prior to the World Cup thus, the upcoming series serves as a crucial platform for buildup.
“These two Test matches provide invaluable experience and competitive play. We hope that this series of matches will lay the groundwork for a continuing tradition, enabling our players to thrive in a challenging and supportive rugby environment,” Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust board member Jenny Seeto stated during an evening reception at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence on Tuesday.
Seeto also highlighted how Tests as such open windows of opportunities for women’s rugby to flourish in Fiji.
“The Fijiana team represents the pinnacle of our women’s rugby program which is nurtured by our tiered women’s rugby competitions – the ANZ Marama and Royal Tea Ranadi competitions, as well as the Weet-Bix Raluve competition for high school girls. These platforms are essential in developing the talent and passion that drive our teams to succeed on the global stage.”
Fijiana and Sakura 15s run out for their first Test tomorrow at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva at 6pm.
