Rise Rookies overpower Canada Ravens 30-8 in Lautoka Test
The Fiji National Rugby League Rise Rookies produced a convincing 30-8 victory over the Canada Ravens in a men’s Test at Churchill Park in Lautoka this afternoon. The Rookies asserted themselves from the opening whistle, using pace and physicality to keep the visitors on the back foot and race to an 18-0 lead by halftime.
The Ravens lifted their intensity after the break and finally breached the Rookies’ defence, getting on the scoreboard. But Fiji’s side kept their foot on the gas, answering with more tries to stretch the gap and seal the win in front of their home supporters.
Looking ahead, attention shifts to the Fiji Bulikula Residents, who will take on the Ravens on June 30 at Churchill Park. This fixture sits in the middle of a busy period for Fiji’s women’s and men’s teams, with the Rise Rookies’ development programs forming part of a broader push to grow the sport locally. The series is tied into preparation for major international campaigns, including the IRL Women’s World Series and World Cup qualification efforts, underscoring Fiji’s commitment to nurturing talent across age groups and genders.
The schedule also features earlier fixtures in the same window, with Rise RookieGirls set to face the Ravens on June 27, followed by the Bulikula Residents’ clash on June 30, all at Churchill Park. These games highlight a broader movement to empower women in sports in Fiji and to showcase the depth of talent emerging from the country’s rugby programs.
Summary: A strong finish to a busy international window for Fiji’s rugby teams, with the Rise Rookies’ 30-8 victory marking another step in Fiji’s ongoing effort to develop high-level competition and inspire the next generation of players. The coming fixtures against Canada Ravens and the wider development programs leave supporters hopeful about Fiji’s rugby future.
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