The Vodafone Fijiana XVs are preparing for a series of significant international matches as they set their sights on the upcoming WXV 3 tournament in Dubai later this year. These important games will offer crucial opportunities for the team to gain experience and refine their strategies in preparation for the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
In a historic first, Fiji will compete against Scotland Women on Sunday, September 15th. The match is set to begin at 3:45 am (FJT) at the Hive Stadium. Afterwards, under the guidance of coach Mosese Rauluni, the squad will make their inaugural trip to the Netherlands to face the Orange Ladies on Thursday, September 19th, at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam.
Rauluni emphasized the significance of these matches for their WXV3 preparations in Dubai. “The primary focus is on Scotland for the first game, but ultimately, our goal is to win the WXV3. It’s exciting to challenge a tough team like Scotland, who compete in the Women’s Six Nations, and to face the Netherlands, an emerging rugby nation,” he stated.
“These test matches present an essential opportunity for us to prepare effectively for WXV3. We have incorporated several Women’s High-Performance Unit players into our extended squad as we progress toward these games. Scotland finished fourth in the Six Nations earlier this year and claimed the WXV2 title in 2023, so we are eager to test ourselves against them. The Netherlands, having qualified for WXV3 and competing for a Rugby World Cup spot, will bring a distinct style of play, which is vital for our preparations for RWC 2025.”
At the WXV3 tournament, the Vodafone Fijiana XV will face formidable opponents, including Hong Kong China, Samoa, and Spain. The tournament is scheduled to commence on September 27th.