1
World Rankings get major Six Nations shake-up
25
{{item.n}}
Fiji's Nations Championship venues sealed with England at Premier League ground
By Josh Raisey
The venues for Fiji’s three fixtures in the inaugural Nations Championship in July have been announced, with all three matches taking place in the United Kingdom.
Despite the matches against Wales, England and Scotland technically being home fixtures for Fiji, the matches will not take place on Fijian soil due to facilities and logistics around travel.
Instead, their opening match against Wales on July 4 will take place at the Cardiff City Stadium, followed by a trip to another football stadium, Everton’s, the following week to face England at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 11.
VIDEO
Mick Byrne’s side will finish their run of fixtures in July in a slightly more familiar setting against Scotland at Murrayfield on July 18.
Wales, England and Scotland will all face South Africa and Argentina away as well during the July window, with Wales heading to Argentina, then South Africa’s Kings Park in Durban following their opener against Fiji.
Steve Borthwick’s side, meanwhile, will get their July campaign started against the world champions at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park before returning to England for the Fiji contest, then heading to Argentina.
Finally, Scotland will go from Argentina to South Africa’s Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria before rounding off their campaign in their capital.
The match in Cardiff will be the first time the Welsh national rugby team have played at the home of Cardiff City football.
The match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium will be the first rugby union match played at the ground, which was only opened last year, though England rugby league faced Australia there in 2025.
“As this constitutes a home match away from Fiji, we will be bringing Fiji to you – and ensuring that you will feel a very different atmosphere – with the tropics, fun and sun, and spectacular free flowing rugby,” said CEO of Fiji Rugby Union Mr Koli Sewabu.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to play in a fantastic stadium and we know we will be well supported.
“It’s also a great opportunity to raise the profile of Fijian rugby, showcase our culture, and connect with our diaspora and fans from the Northern Hemisphere. The success of these fixtures will enable us to invest more into grassroots rugby supporting the continued growth and success of the team.”
RFU CEO Bill Sweeney added: “We are pleased to be taking the England men’s team to the North West to play Fiji at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium; a fantastic new venue that is fitting for the inaugural year of the Nations Championship.
“The Nations Championship delivers more meaningful, high-stakes fixtures that will energise existing fans and attract new audiences. Hosting this fixture in a new stadium will only add to this. As this will be Fiji’s home fixture in the Nations Championship, I have no doubt that their supporters will create a brilliant atmosphere, alongside the England supporters.”
Wales head coach Steve Tandy said: “We’re excited for the Nations Championship and the new competition format for our summer and autumn games.
“To start with an away fixture for us at Cardiff City stadium against Fiji is going to be incredible. We know they like a fast, free-flowing game and I’m sure it’ll be an exciting match for fans.”
Cardiff City head of operations Wayne Nash added: “We’re very pleased to be welcoming Fiji Rugby to Cardiff City Stadium this summer and look forward to what will no doubt be another memorable occasion at the home of Cardiff City Football Club.
“Cardiff City Stadium has hosted countless international standard sporting and musical events since we opened our doors in 2009 and I’ve no doubt we’re set for another highlight when the Flying Fijians come to town to play Wales.”
