Wales Test Still On: O’Connor
“The test match will go ahead depending on the progress of COVID-19 and border restrictions,” O’Connor said said.
Wednesday 28 April 2021 | 10:35
The Flying Fijians Test match against the Six Nations champion Wales at the end of the year is still on says, Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, O’Connor said the Test match is set for November 14.
However, he said this would depend on the current COVID-19 pandemic situation.
“The test match will go ahead depending on the progress of COVID-19 and border restrictions,” O’Connor said said.
“We have a training schedule for November but everything will depend on COVID along with the quarantine procedures and all that.”
“As for now everything depends on COVID-19 but that match is still on where we will take on Wales.”
According to Planet Rugby, the Flying Fijians will play Wales after they host world champions South Africa.
All the internationals are scheduled at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with the series opening against the All Blacks on Saturday, October 30.
The Springboks follow a week later, then Fiji on Sunday, November 14, followed by the Wallabies’ visit on Saturday, November 20.
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips said: “It is our aim and ambition to deliver the Autumn Nations Series 2021 with full crowds.
“We are working alongside the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales to ensure this is done correctly and safely, and in order for us to move forward and deliver events of this scale we must plan ahead, be flexible and prepared for change.
Essential step
“Getting the Autumn Nations Series on sale early is an essential step in this process.”
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac said: “There is no doubt this is a huge autumn series fixture list, and we are already looking forward to it, especially with the prospect of having supporters back at the Principality Stadium.
“It would be close to 21 months since we have had the chance to play in front of our fans at our home stadium, so it is hugely-exciting to have the fixtures announced, and I hope it excites the rugby public.
“As a group, we haven’t faced a southern hemisphere side yet, with last year’s summer tour cancelled and autumn series rejigged, so we are looking forward to welcoming all four sides to Cardiff for what will be four huge Test matches.”
Pivac also coached the Flying Fijians from 2004 to 2007.
Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj
