Negotiations are ongoing for the Fijiana women’s rugby team to host the South African women’s team for two Test matches next year. This initiative is part of a broader plan to schedule a minimum of six Test matches for the national women’s 15s team throughout the upcoming season.
John Sanday, chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union Board, expressed optimism about the potential matches, stating, “We are waiting for South Africa to confirm the dates for them to cover over and play two tests in Fiji.” The Fijiana team has faced South Africa only once before, at the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup, where Fiji made history by securing a 21-17 victory, marking its first win in a women’s rugby World Cup event.
In addition to the anticipated matches against South Africa, the Fijiana XV is confirmed to compete against the Wallaroos on March 27 at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia. Sanday noted, “We are playing Wallaroos as an away game next year since we played them here this year. We hope to then put the two South Africa tests after that and then we go on the Super W and the other women’s comp that Fijiana will compete in.”
Furthermore, the Fiji Rugby Union is working towards establishing an annual fixture of Test matches against Japanese rugby teams. Sanday added, “We are also negotiating with Japan to have annual Test matches between men and women so that’s almost there.” The scheduled matches against South Africa and the Wallaroos are expected to take place prior to the kickoff of the 2026 Super W season in May.
This proactive approach demonstrates Fiji’s commitment to developing women’s rugby and providing competitive opportunities on the international stage. With these events on the horizon, the Fijiana team is poised for an exciting season ahead.
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