Fijiana XVs prepare for Wallaroos showdown as Pacific rivalry returns

Fiji’s Fijiana are preparing for a major Pacific rugby clash as they get ready to face the Wallaroos in Canberra later this month.

The test match on 27 March will open both teams' 2026 international season and renew the growing rivalry between the two sides, who also compete for the Vuvale Bowl, a trophy that reflects the close family ties between Fiji and Australia.

For the Fijiana, the match is another opportunity to test themselves against one of the region’s top teams as women’s rugby continues to grow across the Pacific.

Fiji Rugby has confirmed Mike Legge as interim head coach of the Fijiana XV for the upcoming March-April campaign.

Legge, who has previously coached the side at international level, will oversee the team’s preparations for the Wallaroos Test as well as the Oceania Women’s Series.

He will lead the programme, responsible for the team’s attacking structure, backs' performance, and overall match preparation.

The upcoming Test between the Wallaroos and Fijiana will again be played for the Vuvale Bowl, a trophy symbolising the close ties between Fiji and Australia. Photo/Facebook

Naca Cawanibuka, Fiji Rugby's High Performance Unit general manager, said Legge’s appointment would help maintain continuity as the team prepares for an important international window.

“His previous experience coaching the Fijiana at the international level will be invaluable as we build toward these crucial fixtures,” Cawanibuka said in a Fiji Rugby statement.

The coaching group also includes several experienced figures in Fijian rugby.

Australia have named a new-look Wallaroos squad with ten potential debutants ahead of their season-opening Test against Fiji later this month. Photo/Wallaroos Rugby

Former Flying Fijians representative Joshua Matavesi will oversee the team’s defensive systems and tactical kicking strategy, while Kele Leawere has been appointed forwards coach, focusing on scrum performance and forward play.

Tavaita Rowati joins as assistant backs and skills coach, supporting backline development, and Ifereimi Rawaqa will guide the team’s lineout structures.

The squad is currently in a two-week national training camp in Fiji as they build towards the Test in Australia.

After the camp, the team will move into a short daily training phase before travelling to Canberra for final preparations ahead of the match.

After the Wallaroos Test, the Fijiana will return home for a recovery break before entering another national camp ahead of the Oceania Women’s Series in April.

Cawanibuka says the upcoming matches are part of Fiji Rugby’s long-term plans to strengthen the women’s programme and improve the team’s competitiveness on the international stage.

“The March–April window represents an opportunity to strengthen our depth and combinations while aligning the Fijiana XV program with Fiji Rugby’s long-term goals,” he said.

The campaign is also aimed at helping the team improve its global standing and build towards future Rugby World Cup qualification.

Australia have meanwhile named a new-look Wallaroos squad for the Test, with interim coach Sam Needs selecting 10 potential debutants as the team begins its own preparations for the international season.

“The squad selected has a great mix of youth and experience with 10 new faces who have been competing hard and could potentially make their debuts over the next month,” Needs said in a Rugby Australia statement.

The Wallaroos will assemble at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra before the Pacific clash.

But for the Fijiana, the focus remains on building combinations and representing Fiji on the international stage as they prepare for one of their biggest Tests of the year.