The Australian Deaf Rugby teams are looking to grow the game in Fiji, riding high after their success at the Deaf Rugby World Cup.
The Aussies finished on the podium in both the men's and women's competitions at April's event in Argentina.
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It was a positive weekend for the respective sides, with the men going down to heavyweights Wales in the Final whilst the Women finished third over the three-day event.
After their success, Australian Head Deaf Rugby coach David Kearsey travelled to Fiji for a two-day training session with their Fijian counterpart.
"Sport is so important for everyone, regardless of their abilities. It was a great pleasure to work with the Deaf Rugby Fiji players and coaches," Kearsey said.
"They are a talented group of individuals who are passionate about rugby. It was an honour to be able to share my knowledge and experience with them ahead of the next Deaf Rugby World Cup.
"It has been the highlight of the PacificAus Sports Vuvale Week."
Kearsey was joined by Wallabies legends Radike Samo and Lote Tuqiri as part of last month's ‘Vuvale Week’, designed to celebrate the Rugby bond between the two countries.
"It was great to see the passion and dedication of the Deaf Rugby Fiji players and coaches. They are a credit to Fiji and to the sport of Rugby," Samo and Tuqiri added.
The partnership supported by PacificAus Sports saw the Wallabies legends joined by Reds and Drua players in a week-long event, culminating in their round 15 clash in Suva.
“Vuvale Week promises to be an extraordinary experience; we look forward to celebrating the fantastic sporting bonds between Fiji and Australia and giving children across Fiji an opportunity to meet their Rugby heroes from Australia and Fiji,” said FRU Chairman Peter Mazey on the Week.
"Vuvale Week is being supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program. PacificAus Sports creates ongoing opportunities for Australian and Fijian athletes, coaches, and sports administrators to train, play and grow together.
“Australia and Fiji’s Rugby rivalry doesn’t just build mutual respect and pride; it brings our nations together through shared goals, heroes, and achievements. We look forward to bringing Vuvale Week to life and further strengthening the Fijian-Australian Vuvale Partnership," Rugby Australia Executive, Anthony French, added.
