The Fijiana women’s rugby team is set to compete in two Test matches in Europe next month as part of their preparations for the Women’s Fifteens Three (WXV3) competition in Dubai. This marks the team’s inaugural experience in this format.
In September, the squad will take on the Netherlands and Scotland. The first match will be held on September 15 against Scotland, as confirmed by the Fiji Rugby Union. Following that, on September 19, the team will play their debut match in Amsterdam against the Orange Ladies.
Head coach Mosese Rauluni emphasized the significance of these matches in preparing for the WXV3 event. “Our primary focus is Scotland in the first game, but ultimately, we aim to win the WXV3. It’s an excellent opportunity to compete against a formidable team like Scotland, which plays in the Women’s Six Nations, as well as the Netherlands, an emerging rugby nation,” he noted.
Rauluni further mentioned that the practice matches will help the team get ready for WXV3 and that some members from the Women’s High Performance Unit have been included in the extended squad.
Scotland recently won WXV2 in 2023 and finished fourth in the Six Nations earlier this year, making them a strong opponent. “The Netherlands have qualified for WXV3 and are battling for a Rugby World Cup position, bringing a different style of play that is crucial for our preparations for the 2025 Rugby World Cup,” Rauluni added.
At the WXV3, Fijiana will face Samoa, Hong Kong, China, and Spain, all of which promise to be tough competitors. The WXV3 competition will kick off on September 27.