The Fiji Rugby Union has officially announced that the Flying Fijians will participate in the inaugural Nations Championship, set to begin in July 2026. This exciting revelation came from Leilani Burnes, the director of Fiji Rugby, during an announcement made on the evening of December 27, 2024.
Fiji, along with Japan, has been invited to join the southern hemisphere powerhouse teams, which include New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina. The competition will also feature several northern hemisphere teams, such as England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. The tournament will take place in a unique format over the years 2026, 2028, and 2030, allowing each of the 12 participating nations to play six matches across both hemispheres, with northern teams visiting the south in July and southern teams heading north in November.
This new championship promises to elevate the competitive landscape of rugby by bringing together some of the world’s strongest rugby nations into a single premier competition. The finals weekend is set to be held in London, adding to the tournament’s prestige.
The inclusion of the Flying Fijians in this tournament is seen as a significant step forward for Fiji Rugby, particularly in light of their recent performances. Under the guidance of head coach Mick Byrne, the team had a successful run in 2023, winning seven out of ten Test matches, and has been preparing rigorously for higher-stakes competitions, including the upcoming joint challenges with top-tier global teams. Byrne has been vocal about the need for more competitive matches against elite opponents to enhance the team’s overall performance and readiness, stating that these encounters reveal critical areas for improvement.
Furthermore, as noted in related discussions, Fiji’s participation in the Nations Championship aligns with broader aspirations to raise the profile of rugby within the country, fostering a stronger rugby culture and enhancing opportunities for players. With the prospect of additional international fixtures, fans and supporters of Fiji Rugby can look forward to a promising future that may bring remarkable achievements on the world stage. The enthusiasm surrounding this tournament and the Flying Fijians’ participation encapsulates a hopeful vision for rugby in Fiji, signaling more competitive exposure and development opportunities ahead.