Playing against Tier one Nations will give the opportunity to develop Fijian Rugby further- John O'Connor

Fiji Rugby CEO John O’Connor has highlighted that they have been asking for Fiji to have test matches against Tier One Nations and the inclusion of Fiji in the Autumn Nations Cup is an opportunity for more open doors in the future.

O’Connor says they are hoping to have a warm-up match against Portugal on November 6th to prepare themselves for their first match against France.

He says the five test matches against Tier One Nations in this competition is a great opportunity and he has reminded players and the coaching staff that how well they perform in this tournament will open doors and pathways for the development of the Flying Fijians.

Meanwhile, seven Flying Fijians will be part of the Barbarians team that will take on England in a test match this Monday at Twickenham Stadium.

This includes Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Simione Kuruvoli and Serupepeli Vularika.

Flying Fijians coach, Vern Cotter is the coach for the Barbarians side.

The Barbarians face England at 1am Monday.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is against France on 15th November, then they will face Italy on the 21st of November, and will play Scotland on the 28th of November.