The Fiji Rugby Union has officially announced that the Flying Fijians will compete in the inaugural Nations Championship, starting in July 2026. This momentous news was shared by Fiji Rugby director Leilani Burnes, who emphasized the significance of this milestone for Fiji’s rugby landscape.
Burnes expressed that “Fiji will take its rightful place as a permanent, structured competition alongside some of the very best teams in the world. Fiji is now a Tier One nation, recognised and included amongst the global elite. This is one of the most significant achievements in Fiji’s rugby journey.” The inclusion of Fiji, alongside Japan, presents an exciting opportunity to face off against esteemed teams from both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.
In the Nations Championship, the Flying Fijians will compete against prestigious opponents such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. A total of 12 of the world’s strongest rugby nations will partake, with each team playing six matches. The matches will see Northern Hemisphere teams visiting the Southern Hemisphere in July 2026, while Southern teams will travel to the North in November, culminating in a finals weekend in London—an event that is bound to be a highlight on the international rugby calendar.
This opportunity is particularly crucial for the Flying Fijians, who recently secured seven victories in their last ten Test matches. Head coach Mick Byrne has emphasized the importance of gaining exposure to higher-tier competition to close the performance gap with top-ranked nations.
Participating in the Nations Championship dovetails with Fiji’s aspirations for growth and development in rugby. Currently ranked ninth in the world, this venture will elevate Fiji Rugby’s status and motivate the upcoming generation of rugby talent in the region. The Flying Fijians are set to display their skills, resilience, and the rich rugby heritage that Fiji celebrates.
As Fiji embarks on this exciting new chapter, there is optimism for a future filled with potential, thrill, and advancement in the realm of rugby. The nation stands united and proud, eagerly anticipating the Flying Fijians’ journey into this prestigious international competition.