A star-studded Classic Wallabies rugby team will return to Fiji next week, culminating in a rematch against the Fiji Legends.
Fijian-born internationals Radike Samo, Lote Tuqiri and the injured Samu Kerevi headline the touring squad, which also features two-test Melbourne Rebels prop Laurie Weeks and recently-retired internationals Stephen Moore and Rob Horne.
William Ryder, Lemedi Duidomo, Nasoni Roko and Viliame Satala are among the headline names who will run out for the Legends.
Lote Tuqiri and Viliame Satala will square off when the Classic Wallabies play the Fiji Legends in Nausori. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Fijians romped to a 52-19 victory during last year's clash, with next weekend's rematch serving as the curtain-raiser to the Australian National Rugby Championship (NRC) game between the Fijian Drua and Melbourne Rising in Nausori.
Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) chief executive John O'Connor said the Classic Wallabies tour recognised the respect and value rugby brought to the relationship between the two countries.
"We're bringing the Classic Wallabies out to Fiji to show the deep links between our countries and, most importantly, to give back to the Fijian fans of the game," he said.
Wallabies midfielder Samu Kerevi challenges the Ireland defence in June. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"It is an honour to have the Classic Wallabies return to Fiji to visit our communities and play the NRC curtain raiser against our Fiji Legends and would be impossible without the efforts of his excellency the Australian High Commissioner Mr Feakes and his team.
"The FRU see the NRC as a critical pathway for developing our local players and to host a match like this as the opener to the Fiji Airways Drua campaign helps bring more professionalism and excitement to this important competition."
The Classic Wallabies team arrive in Fiji on Tuesday and will also visit Cuvu College and Sigatoka Special School for coaching clinics with the students, as well as a visit to Sigatoka Hospital.
Fiji's William Ryder scores a try during the final of the 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Classic Wallabies squad:
Sam Cordingley, Stephen Hoiles, Jimmy Holbeck, Rob Horne, Samu Kerevi*, Stephen Moore, Patrick Phibbs, Beau Robinson, Radike Samo, Lote Tuqiri, Morgan Turinui, Laurie Weeks
Fiji Legends squad:
Viliame Satala, Samu Saumaisue, Nasoni Roko, Emosi Vucago, William Ryder, Neumi Nanuku, Jonetani Vula, Lemeki Duidomo (three players to be added)
