A new chapter for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians will unfold on Australia’s Central Coast next year, with Fiji set to face the four-time world champion Springboks in a Test match ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Flying Fijians will face South Africa at Polytec Stadium on Saturday, September 18th next year, in a match dubbed the ‘Contest on the Coast’.
The Test will be only the fourth meeting between Fiji and South Africa and will form part of both teams’ final preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Fiji Rugby Union says the match was officially launched today, exactly one year before kick-off, marking the return of international rugby to the Central Coast for the first time since 2004.
FRU says South Africa last played on the Central Coast in 2004 when the Springboks faced a combined Pacific Islands team.
FRU Chief Executive Officer Koli Sewabu says they are delighted to confirm the historic Test against one of the most respected and successful teams in world rugby.
Sewabu says the Springboks have set the benchmark in world rugby and Fiji’s players relish every opportunity to test themselves against the best.
He says the fixture is about more than a rugby match, as it will provide an opportunity to inspire Fijians, engage the global Fijian community and showcase Fiji’s style, spirit and talent.
Sewabu says Fiji Rugby is grateful to its partners for helping bring the event to life and providing a platform to celebrate international rugby and strengthen the connection between the two rugby nations.
He says the match will also provide valuable high-performance preparation as the Flying Fijians continue to build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup and their long-term objectives.
Sewabu says Fiji Rugby is looking forward to seeing the strong Fijian community across Australia turn out in force to support the Flying Fijians in Gosford.
Springboks Head Coach Rassie Erasmus says the team is excited about the fixture and the opportunity to play another Test on the Central Coast.
Erasmus says Fiji are a quality team that have consistently tested some of the top teams in the world over the last few years.
He says Fiji’s quarter-final appearance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup proved the Flying Fijians can be a force to be reckoned with.
Erasmus says Fiji are among the top 10 ranked teams in the world and are a physical and talented side.
He says the match will provide both teams with an important test before the 2027 Rugby World Cup begins.
The 2027 Rugby World Cup will be staged across Australia, giving the Flying Fijians an opportunity to play in front of supporters in the region during their final preparations.
The visit will extend beyond the Test match, with both teams expected to establish training camps and participate in community activities aimed at increasing local engagement and generating economic benefits for the region.
Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna says the Test will showcase the region to visitors from across Australia and around the world.
McKinna says the event is expected to bring people into local hotels, restaurants, cafes and businesses while delivering economic benefits to the region.
He says with only 20,000 seats available, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early.
McKinna says the match will also give local residents, young players and sporting clubs the opportunity to connect with some of the biggest names in world rugby.
The Test match has been secured through an investment package from the Central Coast Council.
Tickets will go on public sale at 10am on Tuesday, 29 September 2026 through Ticketek.
The clash will give Australian fans an opportunity to see the Flying Fijians and Springboks in action before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
