RFMF Rugby to Face British Army Rugby in Historic Curtain-Raiser Ahead of Flying Fijians vs Scotland Test

In a historic first, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Rugby team will take on the British Army Rugby team in a highly anticipated curtain-raiser ahead of the Flying Fijians vs Scotland Tier One Test Match, scheduled for Friday, 12 July 2025, at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

The British Army is bringing a 38-member squad on its Southern Hemisphere tour, which includes fixtures in New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia. The team consists of 26 players and 12 coaching and management staff, including eight Fijian players and two Fijian staff members.

“This match represents everything that is good about military rugby,” said Colonel Graham Taylor, Chief of Staff, UK Defence Academy.

“The British Army is stronger for having Fijian soldiers serving in it. British Army Rugby is stronger for having Fijian players in the squad. We have enjoyed learning about Fijian culture and spirit as we serve and play alongside our Fijian brothers and sisters.

To be able to do that first-hand in Fiji will be very special.”

This fixture marks the British Army Senior Men’s Rugby team’s first official tour to Fiji, although the teams previously met in the 2015 International Defence Rugby Championship Final, where the RFMF claimed a 30–10 victory.

In the 2023 during the Defence World Cup in France, the Fiji Army played against the UK Armed Forces (UKAF) team, a match that reignited the competitive rivalry between the two sides. The UK Armed Forces (UKAF) team is a combined side selected from the British Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy.

For the RFMF, this match is both a sporting challenge and a symbol of continued development.

“Preparation is ongoing with the squad for the game,” said Colonel Penioni Naliva, President of RFMF Rugby.

“The RFMF is currently in a rebuilding phase, and new soldiers are being groomed into the squad this season.

We played against the UK Armed Forces during the 2023 Defence World Cup and expect the same level of tenacity and professionalism next month. This match gives us another opportunity to test ourselves and build depth.”

More than a game, the fixture reflects the longstanding defence ties and shared values between the two forces.

“The RFMF’s relationship with the British Army dates back to the First and Second World Wars,” Colonel Naliva added.

“Over the last five years, there has been a renewed commitment to collaboration between our nations. This year alone, British Army personnel have served as instructors on RFMF training courses and have been embedded within 3FIR for Exercise Central Diamond. These exchanges help us better understand one another and reinforce our shared values.

Using rugby to strengthen our ties and instill the values of the game adds another dimension to the BA–RFMF relationship.”

Both teams have expressed their enthusiasm to compete in front of a Fijian crowd and set the stage for an exciting day of international rugby.

Fiji Rugby Acting CEO, Mr. Koli Sewabu, noted that the historical connection between Fiji and the British Army dates to the colonial era but has since evolved into a strong modern partnership.

“Many Fijians serve in the British Army, known for their discipline, bravery, and physical prowess—qualities that make them highly valued soldiers,” Mr Sewabu said.

“This military connection has also influenced rugby, further strengthening the bond between our nations.

The upcoming match is a celebration of military brotherhood, rugby diplomacy, and a showcase of talent for which both institutions are well known.

We thank both military leaders for bringing this fixture to Fiji. This is more than just a game—it’s a celebration of military ties, cultural exchange, and the unifying power of sport.”

Kick-off for the match is scheduled for 12:00 PM on Friday, 12 July 2025.