The Fiji Rugby Union is set to embark on a fresh journey of elite international competition launching a new team to play in a home and away Pacific Showcase series this May.
FRU Chief Executive John O’Connor says 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.
O’Connor says the Showcase series is a forerunner to the Global Rapid Rugby Series, to be introduced in 2020.
He says it will be played under a set of experimental rules, endorsed by World Rugby that rewards 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 apply to the Showcase Series will include, 35-minute halves, 9 point power tries, kick outs from inside 22 results in a turnover to opposition from kicking spot, rolling substitution and a bonus point system.
The Fiji Latui will play two home games on the 18th and 25th of May, with away games played on the 7th June against Kafiga Samoa in Auckland and against Western Force in Perth on the 21st June.
Winners of the Asia and Pacific Showcase will access to a $50,000 AUD prize pool to assist local community rugby programmes
