Eight Fijian players will be part of the British Army rugby team that will face the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) rugby team on July 12 at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium. This match will serve as a curtain raiser for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians Test clash against Scotland. This was revealed during a FRU press conference in Suva yesterday. Speaking during the event, Chief of Staff at the United Kingdom Defense Academy Colonel Graham Taylor said the team was looking forward to travelling to Fiji. “This will be a good journey and match for our boys,” Taylor said. An opportunity for them to visit the land of the Fijian boys in the British Army and those in this team,” he said. This match was described as both a sporting contest and a symbol of ongoing development. “We have confident in our team and we know for a fact that our Fijian counterparts are ready too for the game,” Taylor added. The British Army side will have the services of former England winger and Bath utility back Semesa Rokoduguni. Rokoduguni is also serving as a Lance Corporal in the British Army and has played four Test matches for England. He joined the British Army in 2007 and was inspired by his great-great-grandfather, great-grandfather and father who all served in the military. The eight players are: Rokoduguni,Senitiki Nayalo, Solodrau Radianarova, Luke Rokomoce, Epeli Kotobalavu, Vili Tabuatamata, Vili Kotobalavu and Vereimi Qorowale. RFMF Colonel Netani Kaukimoce said the side was preparing well and was ready to face the British Army side. “We have a good mix of experience and young talent who have been playing in the Suva Rugby Union matches every week so we are looking at these players and will confirm the team once they are ready.” He says the RFMF’s ties with the British Army date back to the First and Second World Wars, and rugby is now being used as a vehicle to further strengthen those bonds while promoting the values inherent in the game. The match will kick off at 12pm at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Feedback: josua.buredua@fijisun.com.fj