Fiji rugby is now officially part of the new global rugby competition, the Nations Championship, set to launch in July next year, giving them the chance to host some of the world’s rugby powerhouses.
Making the announcement last night on behalf of Fiji Rugby, Director of Rugby Lailanie Burnes said this was a massive milestone for the sport in Fiji.
“Under the new structure every nation will play six cross-hemisphere fixtures. The Northern Hemisphere teams will travel south in July, whilst the Southern Hemisphere teams including Fiji, will travel north in November. For Fiji, this guarantees regular, meaningful, world-class test rugby, a historic first for the nation.”
“This milestone represents one of the most significant achievements in Fiji Rugby history, firmly establishing the nation among the world’s elite rugby powers. Fiji joins Japan as an invitational Southern Hemisphere nation, completing a formidable lineup alongside New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina and the Six Nations giants of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales of the Northern Hemisphere.”
“The Nations Championship is a landmark collaboration between the Six Nations Rugby and SANZAAR bringing together the 12 strongest rugby nations in a single elite competition. The tournament transforms the traditional July and November test windows into a dynamic, high-stakes format, culminating in a spectacular finals weekend in London featuring three days of double-headers to crown the first-ever Nations Champion and determine the dominant hemisphere each cycle.”
FRU Chairman John Sanday said the announcement was a proud day for Fiji rugby.
“This is a historic moment for Fiji. Being invited into the Nations Championship places us alongside the very best in world rugby. For our children playing on village grounds, for our families gathered to watch every test match and for Fijians everywhere, this milestone belongs to you.”
“Fiji’s rugby, courageous, dynamic and full of flair has long captured the world’s imagination. Now we have a consistent, structured top-tier stage to showcase our talent.”
