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 announcement was made by Fiji Rugby director Leilani Burnes during a press conference, ending months of speculation about the team’s involvement in this new international competition.
Fiji, along with Japan, has been invited to compete alongside the leading southern hemisphere teams, including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina. They will join forces with formidable northern hemisphere squads such as England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. The Nations Championship aims to create a premier competition featuring 12 of the strongest rugby nations from both hemispheres, allowing each team to play six matches across the globe—northern teams will travel to the southern hemisphere in July 2026, while southern teams will tour the north in November.
The anticipated finals weekend is scheduled to take place in London, marking a significant event for international rugby and presenting a unique opportunity for the Flying Fijians to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Building on the growth momentum seen in previous years, the Flying Fijians have expressed their readiness to take on the challenges posed by elite competition. Head coach Mick Byrne has emphasized the importance of more Test matches for the team, which has seen success with a record of seven wins out of ten in the past year. Competing against teams like the All Blacks, Ireland, and Scotland has revealed areas for improvement and the necessity to match the intensity and quality of higher-ranked nations.
The inclusion of the Flying Fijians and Japan is not just a testament to their growing rugby profiles—Fiji currently ranks ninth globally—but also a reflection of a broader commitment to enhancing the quality and competitiveness of rugby internationally. This new structure promises exciting opportunities for both teams to gain invaluable experience and elevate their standings in the rugby world.
Fiji Rugby’s participation in this championship aligns perfectly with their ambitions for the future, offering a strategic path towards continuous improvement and development. With hopeful eyes on the upcoming competitions, the Flying Fijians are poised to embark on an exciting journey that could inspire the next generation of rugby stars in the region.
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