Fiji Rugby has confirmed that the national side will play two tests against the All Blacks in July.
The matches will take place on July 10th and 17th in Dunedin and Hamilton respectively.
Fiji Rugby Chief Executive John O’Connor said they are both excited about the matches, and cautious given the current COVID situation in Fiji.
“At home, the priority at the moment is to support all the Government restrictions and comply with the Ministry of Health instructions as we fight to control the spread of this virus so we can support the country return to its COVID19 contained status” said O’Connor.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to confirm what will be a fantastic series of matches. We look forward to welcoming the Flying Fijians to New Zealand for what will be a historic first-ever back-to-back All Blacks Test Series against them.”
Flying Fijians Coach Vern Cotter said it’s a great challenge in-front of them and everybody needs to lift the standard and be at their best.
“Our players who will be joining from Europe need to be aware that this is no small challenge but it’s a massive one as we get two test matches against the All Blacks in New Zealand so we know how challenging it’s going to be and I think it’s very good for the Flying Fijians because we have to be at our 100 percent of our games” said Cotter.
He said “We have been looking at the overseas and also local players and trying to get them back in time for quarantine and training so that we can prepare properly for the first game on the 10th.
We have been liaising with everybody to make sure that our players know the time scale of travel, quarantine and training, CEO confirmed
Cotter is expected to announce his extended squad for the two test matches later in June.
Meanwhile Tonga will meet the All Blacks at Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium on July 3. Tonga will also play Samoa in New Zealand, on July 17 in their World Cup qualifying match.