Manu Samoa to have 'home' rugby test against Fiji in Rotorua
Samoa fans during the 2011 Rugby World Cup pool D match against Namibia at Rotorua International Stadium, 14 September 2011.
Photo:
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Rotorua Stadium will act as be Manu Samoa's home ground when they play Fiji in a rugby test match in September.
With Samoa's Apia Stadium about to undergo a major upgrade, its national rugby team has adopted Rotorua as its home ground for the test on 6 September.
The September test will be important for both sides, as they prepare for matches in the northern hemisphere later in the year and continue their buildups to the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Fiji have matches lined up against England and France in November, while Samoa so far have a test lined up against Italy on 23 November.
"We are delighted to bring another Samoa home test match to New Zealand and specifically to Rotorua, a rugby heartland," Lakapi Samoa chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun said in a statement.
"While we continue to improve the Apia Stadium facilities in Samoa, we know we will receive support from the Pacific community in New Zealand."
Fiji Rugby chief executive Roverto Nayacalevu looked forward to a thrilling encounter.
"Matches like these aren't just about rugby, they're about pride, heritage and the enduring bond between Pacific nations. Both teams carry the hopes of their people, and we know they'll deliver a contest worthy of their traditions."
Rotorua's stadium has hosted a number of international matches over the years, with Bay of Plenty hosting touring teams such as the British and Irish Lions, while it has been a regular home ground for the Māori All Blacks. The All Blacks played their only match in Rotorua at the International Stadium in 1973 when they beat New Zealand Māori 18-8 in 1973.
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