The Oceania Rugby Women’s XV Championship returns to Fiji this April, bringing together the region’s top women’s national teams for three highly anticipated test matches.
The 2026 Championship will be played on the 17th, 21st and 25th April, featuring three Pacific nations, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji in what will be the only international XV matches hosted in Fiji in 2026.
The tournament provides a crucial platform for high-performance competition within the Pacific and forms an important pathway for regional teams ahead of global qualification cycles.
Oceania Rugby’s CEO, Frank Puletua says the women’s game is experiencing strong momentum both globally and across the Pacific, with unions recognising the value and potential of women’s rugby.
Puletua says the focus now is on continuing to build the game in a way that is ambitious and sustainable, ensuring the right investments are made to strengthen the foundations of women’s rugby and create lasting opportunities for future generations of players.
He adds that the Pacific has a unique story to tell through rugby, built on strong traditions, passionate communities and a distinctive style of play.
The Oceania Rugby CEO says by celebrating the region’s players, sharing their stories and deepening connections with fans, competitions such as the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship can help elevate the women’s game while strengthening the sport’s future across the region.
Fiji Rugby CEO, Koli Sewabu says women’s rugby across the Pacific is entering an exciting new phase, with growing investment in high-performance pathways, increased visibility for national teams and stronger opportunities for players to compete at the international level.
Sewabu says as the global women’s game continues to expand, Pacific nations such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are well-positioned to showcase their talent and passion for the sport on a larger stage.
The Vodafone Fijiana XV play Tonga at 4.30pm Friday, 17th April at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
Tonga will meet Samoa at 4.30pm Tuesday, 21st April at Churchill Park, Lautoka, while the Fijiana will face Samoa at 3.30pm Saturday, 25th April at 4R Stadium Govind Park, Ba.
The Oceania Rugby Women’s XV Championship continues to grow in stature and competitiveness across the region, as the Fijiana have won the last two Championships beating Samoa 27-13 in 2024, and edging Samoa 24-20 last year at Lawaqa Park.
Oceania Rugby says the 2026 edition is expected to deliver another exciting chapter in Pacific women’s rugby, showcasing the depth of talent across the region and strengthening international exposure for the participating unions.
They say curtain raiser matches will also feature young women and girls from local rugby communities, offering a platform for the next generation to experience the excitement of the international stage.
Oceania Rugby says reflecting the tournament’s safeguarding theme — “Safeguarding is everyone’s business” — these matches reinforce the shared responsibility across the rugby community to ensure the game remains a safe, supportive and positive environment for young players.
