Fiji Rugby has achieved a historic milestone by officially attaining Tier One status, solidifying its position among the elite rugby nations. This significant announcement came from Fiji Rugby Union’s Director of Rugby, Lailanie Burnes, who described this event as a transformative moment for both the community and the nation. This prestigious classification enables the Flying Fijians to participate in the upcoming Nations Championship, scheduled to begin in July 2026.
Burnes noted that inclusion in a structured competition alongside top-tier rugby teams is a remarkable achievement for Fiji. The Flying Fijians will join Japan as the two invited teams from the Southern Hemisphere, facing off against fierce competitors such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina from the south, as well as England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales from the north.
The Nations Championship, a joint initiative between Six Nations Rugby and SANZAAR, replaces the traditional July and November test windows with exciting matchups every two years. The championship will culminate in a grand finals weekend in London, featuring double-header matches to crown the inaugural Nations Champion.
With this new competition structure, Fiji will engage in six cross-hemisphere tests, where northern teams will travel south in July and vice versa in November. This change is expected to enhance the competitive standard of Fiji Rugby, a necessity emphasized by head coach Mick Byrne, who highlighted that bridging the gap with Tier One nations is critical.
There is also an ongoing call for Fijian rugby players to ramp up their performance as they transition into this elevated level of competition. Byrne remarked that the Flying Fijians’ recent success—seven victories in ten test matches—provides a solid foundation for future growth. He underscored the importance of competing against elite teams to identify performance gaps and strategize for improvement.
This elevation in status brings an optimistic wave of excitement for the future of Fiji Rugby. The commitment to continual improvement, thorough preparation, and strong fan support promises a bright outlook ahead. With the Flying Fijians now ready to take on the world’s best, the rugby community is eagerly anticipating the developments and successes that await.