THE Fiji Netball side has confirmed they will not take part in the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu in December.
President, Wainikiti Bogidrau says, her management decided to pull out after the confirmation of the European tour in October.
“We had to look at the cost benefit and analysis of sending a team to Vanuatu as a post to playing these five test matches. We have realised that we have more to gain from the five test matches then sending a team to Vanuatu and having Fiji play against Papua New Guinea only and that being the only international ranked game.”
Fiji will play South Africa in September and then flies off to Europe to play Wales, Scotland and North Ireland in October.
Meanwhile, Fiji Netball side will play four top teams in September and October as the build up to the Commonwealth Games next year.
The Fiji Pearls face South Africa in Suva on September 6th and 8th at the Vodafone Arena.
After the two home test matches, the Pearls then fly off to Europe to play Wales, Scotland and North Ireland.
They have also set up two sweat-out sessions against the English side in October.
Bogidrau says, its been long the Pearls have played the top nations.
“It’s been two years, since the Fiji Pearls were exposed to the high intensity games at international level. Basically we have five matches in Europe, some are not exactly test matches but matches that we have secured and we hope to learn.”
Coach Vicky Wilson will name the 40 member extended squad later next week.