Fijivillage
27 February, 2026, 10:04 pm
Central - 24°C Rain
27 February, 2026, 10:04 pm Central - 24°C Rain

130 days to kick off the Rugby Nations Championship

130 days to kick off the Rugby Nations Championship

By Mikaele Liga
24/02/2026

With 130 days remaining until kickoff, the Fiji Water Flying Fijians will open their Rugby Nations Championship campaign against Wales in Cardiff, with a seating capacity of 62,000 people on July 4th.

This was announced last night at Albert Park by Fiji Rugby Union Chairman John Sanday.

He confirmed that the second match will be played in England on July 11th against the host nation at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 52,000.

The third game is scheduled for July 18th at Murrayfield Stadium against Scotland, with the venue able to accommodate 67,000 spectators.

The Fiji Rugby Union marked the official launch and announcement of the July fixtures in style, attended by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and former rugby players Sisa Koyamaibole and Kini Murimurivalu.

Sanday described the evening as a historic milestone for Fiji rugby, emphasizing that the union is not merely launching a campaign but ushering in a new era of self determination for both the organization and the country.

He said that, for the first time, Fiji is taking its matches to the global stage, underscoring the strategic importance of the move.

According to Sanday, the financial impact will be transformational, as ticket sales and match revenue will go directly to Fiji Rugby. 

He adds that this income will play a critical role in securing the long-term financial sustainability of Fiji rugby, strengthening its structures, and investing in the future of the sport.

Six nations will compete in the Southern Hemisphere division: Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Japan, and South Africa, while six Northern Hemisphere nations will take part: France, Wales, Scotland, Italy, England, and others.

Insert Coach on top 10 23rd Feb


Sanday says that these are countries with vast resources, deep traditions, and significant global influence.

However, he stressed that Fiji stands proud among them and is ready to battle for supremacy with determination and flair.


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