Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has underscored the importance of the forthcoming Nations Championship series, where the Fiji Water Flying Fijians are set to compete against some of the most prestigious teams from the Northern Hemisphere. This event is particularly noteworthy as it marks the inaugural structured cross-hemisphere championship series for the Flying Fijians, who will challenge renowned teams such as England, Wales, and Scotland.
Speaking at the official launch of the series, Rabuka emphasized the historic relationship between Fiji and these nations over the last four decades and acknowledged the significant progress the Flying Fijians have made on the international rugby stage. “This isn’t just another tournament; it’s a special and new era for our country, which has been competing against these major teams for years,” he declared, conveying his enthusiasm for the upcoming games and the expected support from fans in the northern hemisphere.
The championship kicks off on Friday, July 4, with Fiji facing off against Wales in Cardiff. Following this match, Fiji will host England on July 11 and then travel to Edinburgh to take on Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium on July 18. Currently ranked ninth in the World Rugby standings, Fiji sits ahead of Wales, while England and Scotland are positioned fifth and seventh, respectively. This sets the stage for highly competitive matches ahead.
Fiji has historically faced Wales 15 times since their first official Test in 1985, achieving two victories, including a memorable 38–34 win during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Against Scotland, Fiji has played 13 times, also securing two wins. After their landmark first victory over England in 2023 with a 30–22 win at Twickenham, this upcoming series represents a crucial opportunity for Fiji to enhance its rugby legacy and solidify its place among the elite nations in the sport.
The deep-rooted love for rugby in Fijian culture has created a palpable anticipation for this series, reflecting the growing recognition and respect for the Flying Fijians on the global rugby stage. As they prepare to take on these formidable opponents, the team aims not only to compete but also to inspire future generations of rugby players in Fiji.