Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15s to play two historic RWC build-up test matches

The Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15s will play two historic Rugby World Cup build-up test matches as they will host the Wahine Maori 15s and Canada in Suva.

Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a strong 32-member extended squad for the two test matches.

Seruvakula has included a few players who were impressive during the Oceania Championship earlier this year.

Players such as Bitila Tawake, Jade Coates, Sereima Leweniqila, Reijieli Laqeretabua and Roela Radiniyavuni will guide the pack. The Fijiana plays New Zealand’s Wahine Maori side next Friday and then meets Canada a week later on Friday the 23rd of September.

Both matches kick off at 6pm and will be played at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

FRU Acting Chief Executive Sale Sorovaki says it's indeed a milestone for the union to host two high-profile teams in Fiji.

Sorovaki says they have not played any international test matches here at home and to get Wahine Maori and Canada, is just setting up another level when it comes to women’s rugby.

With World Rugby’s initiative of dedicating the month of September to Women’s Rugby, these two matches are vital in promoting the women’s game in Fiji, and most importantly, give our Fijiana team the much-needed game time it needs leading up to our first ever participation in the Women’s Rugby World Cup to be held in New Zealand.

Sorovaki says it is also a great opportunity for the fans who are raring to see our Fijiana girls play at home to come down and support the Fijiana 15s which will be flying our flag for the first time at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Ticket prices and other details will be released in due course.

The Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15s 32-member extended squad:

Hookers

Vika Matarugu

Jiowana Sauto

Bitila Tawake

Props

Iris Verebalavu

Mereoni Namositava

Vuanimasei Rasolea

Joma Sera

Bulou Vasuturaga

Tiana Robanakadavu

Locks

Asinate Serevi

Sulita Waisega

Jade Coates

Laisa Taga

Merevesi Ofakimalino

Flankers

Sereima Leweniqila

Karalaini Naisewa

Akosita Ravato

Ema Adivitaloga

Fulori Nabura

Halfback

Ana Maria Roqica

Evivi Senikarivi

Flyhalf

Merewalesi Rokouono

Kolora Lomani

Center

Raijieli Laqeretabua

Vani Arei

Mela Matanatabu

Wings

Vitalina Naikore

Ilisapeci Delaiwau

Akasnisi Sokoiwasa

Talei Wilson

Fullbacks

Roela Radiniyavuni

Timaima Ravisa