Fiji Rugby has made history by officially achieving Tier One status, a recognition that reinforces its place among the premier rugby nations. The announcement was made by Fiji Rugby Union Director of Rugby, Lailanie Burnes, who heralded this moment as a transformative milestone for both the community and the nation. This prestigious classification allows the Flying Fijians to compete in the upcoming Nations Championship, which is set to commence in July 2026.
Burnes emphasized that being included in a structured competition alongside top rugby teams marks a significant achievement for Fiji. With this new status, the Flying Fijians will join Japan as the two invited Southern Hemisphere teams, pitting them against formidable competitors like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina from the south, and England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales from the north.
The Nations Championship, a collaboration between Six Nations Rugby and SANZAAR, will replace the traditional July and November test windows with thrilling matchup opportunities every two years. This championship will culminate in a grand finals weekend in London, featuring double-header matches to determine the first-ever Nations Champion.
Under this fresh competition structure, Fiji will engage in six cross-hemisphere tests, with northern teams traveling south in July and vice versa in November. This arrangement is anticipated to elevate the competitive standard of Fiji Rugby, something that head coach Mick Byrne previously underscored as vital for bridging the gap with Tier One nations.
Noteworthy is the continuous call for Fijian rugby players to elevate their performance as they transition into this new level of competition. Byrne recently highlighted that the success of the Flying Fijians over the past year—seven wins from ten test matches—serves as an excellent foundation for growth. He stressed the importance of facing elite teams to understand gaps in performance and strategize for improvement.
This elevation in status fuels excitement for what lies ahead for Fiji Rugby. The commitment to ongoing improvement, solid preparations, and enhanced support from fans forms an optimistic outlook for the future. With the Flying Fijians now positioned to take on the world’s best, the rugby community eagerly anticipates the developments and successes that lie on the horizon.