The Fiji Rugby Union says all their plans are ready based on their Return to Play Protocol and any competition that will be allowed to kick off based on any relaxation in health restrictions, will start after 4 weeks of preparations for the players.
FRU Chief Executive Officer, John O’Connor says their protocol is tailor-made to suit the country restrictions, and is also based on World Rugby guidelines.
O’Çonnor says even if they will be able to have rugby games, FRU will ensure no games kick off until 4 weeks of training is done as player welfare is of paramount importance.
He says everything depends on the decisions announced by the government and they will then work within the protocols.
O’Çonnor says they can also have competitions with or without fans in stands based on government directives.
If the games will be played with fans not in the stands, then the FRU will work with broadcasters to take all the action of the games to the fans in their homes.
Fiji’s test match against the Wallabies and PNC games against Samoa and Tonga in doubt
Peceli Yato for the Flying Fijians against Wallabies at the RWC 2019. [image: World Rugby]
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians test match against the Wallabies on July 18th in Townsville is likely to be cancelled or postponed to a later day due to COVID-19 related border restrictions.
Fiji’s Pacific Nations Cup matches against Tonga on July 4th and against Samoa on July 11th are also on hold.
The matches against Samoa and Tonga are likely to be held in Suva in October if all goes well.
Meanwhile the Flying Fijians are also scheduled to play the New Zealand XV in Vancouver on the 31st of October, Wales on the 7th of November on the Europe Tour, the French Barbarians on the 14th of November and Georgia on the 21st of November.
Discussions continue on these games and they will only go ahead if flight restrictions are lifted and quarantine measures are also removed.
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