Fiji Rugby is set to embark on a fresh journey of elite inter­national competition launch­ing an exciting new team to play in a home and away Pacific Showcase series this May.

The Fijian Latui, drawn from lo­cally based players will play in the six-match Pacific Showcase series, alongside Perth’s Western Force and the Kafiga Samoa team.

The Showcase series is a forerun­ner to the Global Rapid Rugby Se­ries, to be introduced in 2020, and will be played under a set of experi­mental rules, endorsed by World Rugby that reward attacking, free-scoring play, and are designed to entertain crowds, make the game faster and showcase spectacular rugby.

Power tries, rolling substitutions, shorter halves, timed set pieces and more make up the revised rules to apply to the series.

The rule changes applicable to the Showcase Series will include: 35 minute halves, 9 point Power tries, Kickouts from inside 22 result in turnover to opposition from kick­ing spot.

Rolling substitutions, Plus a bo­nus point system

FRU CEO, John O’Connor said “The showcase series looks to bring fast paced, action packed rugby that Fijian fans are sure to love whilst providing our athletes with another high quality competi­tion to play in and gain invaluable exposure to elite performance.”

The Fiji Latui will play two home games on May 18, 25, with away games June 7 v Kafiga Samoa at Navigation Homes Stadium, Auck­land and against Western Force in Perth on June 21.

The Showcase series has been organised by Australian businessman Andrew Forrest and his Glob­al Rapid Rugby venture. A 6 match Asian Showcase series will also be played between March 29 2 May featuring the Western Force, the Singapore-based Asia Pacific Drag­ons and the South China Tigers of Hong Kong.

Winners of the Asia and Pacific Showcase will access to a $50,000 AUD prize pool to assist local com­munity rugby programmes.

The Fijian Latui derive their name from the predatory Fijian Goshawk known for its stealthy but lightning quick attack from both land and air.

O’Connor added “Like Fiji as a nation, the Latui is a smaller sized predator but no less lethal or intim­idating as a bird of prey than any of the larger species”

The Fijian Latui will look to emulate these characteristics of intimidation, cunning, pace and at­tack when they step onto the field against the Western Force and Sa­moa in the upcoming series.

Fiji Rugby will release more in­formation around the Fijian Latui squad and management composi­tion in the coming weeks followed by match and ticketing informa­tion.

Feedback: oseab@fijisun.com.fj