For Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the imminent Nations Championship series signifies a historic moment in the long-standing rivalry between the Fiji Water Flying Fijians and some of rugby’s most esteemed Northern Hemisphere teams.
Fiji has traditionally toured Europe and played individual Test matches during the November internationals and Rugby World Cups, but this event marks the first occasion that the Flying Fijians will participate in a structured cross-hemisphere championship series against formidable opponents including England, Wales, and Scotland.
During the official launch of the series, Rabuka emphasized the rich history that Fiji shares with these nations over the last four decades, showcasing the impressive evolution of the Flying Fijians on the global rugby stage. He remarked, “This isn’t just another tournament; it’s a special and new era for our country, who have been playing these major teams for the past few decades. We are excited for what is to come, and we know our fans in the northern hemisphere will come out in numbers to support the boys.”
The series is set to begin on Friday, 4 July, with Fiji facing Wales in Cardiff. Following this, they will host England on 11 July before journeying to Edinburgh for a match against Scotland at the iconic Murrayfield Stadium on 18 July.
Presently, Fiji ranks ninth in the World Rugby rankings, surpassing Wales, while England is positioned fifth and Scotland seventh, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness expected in the upcoming matches.
Historically, Fiji has faced Wales 15 times since their inaugural official Test in 1985, achieving two victories, the most notable being the 38–34 Rugby World Cup triumph in 2007. Their record against Scotland shows two victories out of 13 Test matches, while a significant landmark was achieved in 2023 when Fiji secured their first victory over England, winning 30–22 at Twickenham.
The forthcoming series presents Fiji with an exciting opportunity to build upon this impressive history and further strengthen their standing among rugby’s elite nations. With the enthusiasm of fans and a resilient team spirit, the Flying Fijians are poised to make a significant impact in the world of rugby.
Leave a comment