Fiji Deaf Rugby Teams Dominate Pacific Rim Tournament

The Wallabies rugby team is prioritizing their upcoming Test match against Fiji, which coach Joe Schmidt and players regard as more critical than the high-profile series against the British & Irish Lions. Veteran prop Taniela Tupou has been sent back to the NSW Waratahs, casting doubt on his future with the national team amid a near-finalized squad for the Fiji Test. The Wallabies aim to avoid a repeat of their shock 22-15 loss to Fiji at the last World Cup, an upset that still haunts the team and is seen as a pivotal moment leading to a coaching change. Meanwhile, several Wallabies players, including Andrew Kellaway and Corey Toole, have been released back to their Super Rugby teams ahead of the Fiji match, signaling strategic lineup decisions and opportunities for emerging players like winger Harry Potter. This renewed focus on Fiji reflects the significance of maintaining regional dominance and addressing past shortcomings, even as the British & Irish Lions tour Australia with strong Wallabies representation. The Fiji men’s and women’s Deaf rugby teams recently showcased their own dominance by winning the Pacific Rim Deaf Rugby 7s tournament in Australia, highlighting Fiji’s broader rugby prowess.