Fiji and Samoa are set to fly the Pacific flag at the 2026 WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong, with both teams aiming to build momentum towards their future Rugby World Cup campaigns.
WXV Global Series Challenger is part of the WXV Global Series calendar, as a new two-tier format means more competitive matches for fans to enjoy at the grounds and on television in the lead-up to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, World Rugby said.
Matches will kick off this weekend featuring Fiji, Samoa, Hong Kong China, the Netherlands, Spain and Brazil.
The Challenger tournament will be played across three rounds, with a triple-header of games on each match day.
The Fijiana team will take on Spain on 13 September to kick-off the their campaign.
It will be followed by the hosts Hong Kong China taking on Brazil, before Manusina battle with the Netherlands in the last game of the opening day.
Both Fiji and Samoa have been in Hong Kong for the past week.
The Fijians arrived via Japan, where they had a warm-up match against the Japanese national side.
Manusina held their first scrimmaging session with Hong Kong China on Tuesday. Their squad will feature 21 overseas-based players and seven locals out of Samoa.
Head coach Fuimaono Bella Milo, who recorded an 18-year career playing for Manusina, succeeded Ramsay Tomokino as the team’s head coach this year and leads the team to the series.
Her selection contains a number of players that competed at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, including Lutia Col Aumua and Taytana Pati Ah Cheung.
But missing is Harmony Vatau, who registered Samoa’s only points at the competition.
Players like Itema Filipaina, Janita Faoagali-Kareta, Koreti Leilua and Ariana Matue are all in line for their Test rugby debuts at Kai Tak Sports Ground.
“The squad we selected brings a fantastic mix of experience, combining players returning from the World Cup last year and others with valuable WXV experience,” Milo told World Rugby.
“Having players come straight out of competitive club rugby environments across New Zealand, Australia and Samoa has significantly boosted our preparation, so we are looking forward to hitting the ground.
“WXV gives us invaluable time together as a squad. With our ultimate goal focused on the World Cup qualifiers next year, we need to be intentional and accurate in our style of play. Every step we take now is about building momentum toward Oceania 2027.”
She said Samoa had an outstanding coaching staff and a management team that deeply cares for the jersey.
“I am eager to see our growth and execution as we look to move the needle and, ultimately, inspire the next generation of Tamaitai Samoa to represent our country.”
Samoa will then take on Spain in their second game, before wrapping up their campaign against Hong Kong China on 26 September.
Fijiana captain Kolora Lomani said the team is focused on Spain.
“We played against Spain in Dubai in the last WXV,” she said.
“They are very physical and a strong team. We’re really excited for the challenge.”
Fijiana are also rebuilding, with two losses to the Springboks women and a win over Japan in the last month as part of their build up.
Five places at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 are already taken, with first-time hosts Australia, as well as the top four sides from the last tournament – champions England, Canada, New Zealand, and France – booking their spot, leaving 13 teams to chase for 11 places.
Eight of those remaining places will be filled through 2027 regional competitions, while the two best non-qualified teams, according to World Rugby Women’s Rankings at the end of the 2027 international window, will also qualify, leaving the final place to be decided at the WXV Global Series Challenger 2028.
