The Australian Rugby Union has agreed to help organise additional Test matches for the Fiji team ahead of this year’s World Cup.
An agreement has been reached between the nations primarily to assist the Fijians in their preparations for the game’s showpiece event in September and October.
Andy Cornway, ARU Head of Tours, Matches and Rugby Policy, said he would do everything in his capacity to assist the Fiji Rugby Union but at the same time would not compromise the Australian team’s interests.
"If the Fiji Rugby Union (want) to play any additional matches they would simply request that and we would discuss that with the provincial unions to see whether they can fit the match into their schedule, keeping in mind that most of the Super 14 Unions in Australia already have very full match programs so there would be no guarantee that they would be available," Cornway told fijivillage.com.
Fiji have been drawn in Pool B for the 2007 World Cup alongside Australia, Wales, Canada and Japan.
But their preparations for the 2007 event were dealt a blow after disappointing displays against Australia A in July when they went down 47-18 and 80-9 in successive Tests.
Prior to this series the team had an impressive year finishing third in the inaugural Pacific Five Nations tournament.
Fiji will travel to Australia to play the Wallabies in June this year.
