In an exciting development for rugby fans, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces rugby team will take on the British Army in a groundbreaking curtain-raiser match before the much-anticipated Flying Fijians versus Scotland Test match in Suva on July 12. This event, marking the British Army’s first visit to Fiji, aims to deepen the rugby rivalry and camaraderie between the military forces of both nations.
The British Army will bring a robust 38-member squad for their Southern Hemisphere tour, which also includes visits to New Zealand and Australia. Colonel Graham Taylor, Chief of Staff at the UK Defence Academy, highlighted the team’s composition, which includes eight Fijian players and two coaching staff members. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to experience the Fijian spirit firsthand, emphasizing the bond created through the shared love of rugby.
“This match represents everything that is good about military rugby,” said Colonel Taylor, acknowledging the significant role of Fijian soldiers and players within the British Army. The historical context of this match adds depth, as the RFMF and British Army previously met in the 2015 International Defence Rugby Championship Final, where Fiji emerged victorious.
For the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), this match serves as both a sporting challenge and a chance for growth as they rebuild their squad. Colonel Penioni Naliva, President of RFMF Rugby, noted that the fixture will help in assessing their current lineup, as they prepare for future competitions. The camaraderie and mutual respect fostered through these rugby matches echoes a long-standing defense relationship between Fiji and the UK, dating back to the World Wars.
As highlighted by Fiji Rugby’s Acting CEO Koli Sewabu, the match is expected to go beyond just sport. It symbolizes the enduring military bond between the two nations and serves as a cultural exchange opportunity. The upcoming curtain-raiser is scheduled to kick off at 12 pm on July 12, offering fans a chance to witness a unique display of international friendship and sportsmanship ahead of the Flying Fijians’ Test match against Scotland later that day at the HFC Bank Stadium.
This exciting day of rugby underscores the power of sport to unite communities, fostering hope and inspiring future generations in both Fiji and the UK as they celebrate their respective rugby cultures together.
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