Wallaroos Target Fijiana Test Clash

The Fiji Airways Fijiana XV preparations for next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup could be boosted if a propose Test clash against the Wallaroos goes ahead this year.

The Ro Alifereti Doviveratacoached Fijiana XV have emerged as one of the top prospects to face the Wallaroos should international rugby resume in 2020.

According to Rugby Australia, the Wallaroos had announced three Tests for 2020, two against the Black Ferns and also a July clash with Canada.

There were also plans for the Wallaroos to play further Tests against the USA and Canada later in the year as Rugby Australia looked to expand the

Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby have both expressed their desire to be able to play trans-Tasman Tests later this year as part of a travel bubble and the Wallaroos are expected to be part of those plans.

Australia also has a close relationship with Fiji and Rugby Australia’s head of women’s rugby Jilly Collins said talks were underway about the possibility of taking on Fijiana in 2020 should restrictions permit.

Fijiana have qualified for the 2021 Rugby World Cup and also travelled to Australia earlier this year for exhibition games against the Waratahs and Reds women’s sides. Fijiana walloped Reds Women’s side 29-10 before going down 20-5 to Waratahs.

“Looking at the Test schedule broadly, the most realistic option is seeing what we can play within the Oceania region,” Collins said.

“So, New Zealand, the Black Ferns are an option but we’re looking at Fijiana being an option as well.

“I’m having lots of conversations with my counterparts in different countries around looking at what Test schedules could work.

“There’s a collective buy-in from the teams that have qualified for the Rugby World Cup around making sure there’s support for them to ensure they’re as best prepared as they can be.

“Travel is obviously restricted and that will prevent some international Tests but hopefully we are able to get some in the last quarter of the year.”