‘This is a historic moment’: Fiji’s draw for 2026 Nations Championship

The Flying Fijians have officially been unveiled as one of 12 teams in the inaugural Nations Championship, marking a historic rugby moment for the Pacific Island nation and the growth of the international game as a whole.

SANZAAR and Six Nations Rugby announced the joint venture on Monday, which was ratified by the World Rugby Council in 2023. “The Nations Championship has the power to redefine the future of rugby,” a press release read, with Fiji and Japan joining a star-studded lineup of teams.

All four Rugby Championship nations have been involved – Australia, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand – with the two invitation sides completing the Southern Hemisphere group. The Six Nations teams will represent the Northern Hemisphere.

All six representatives from the north will travel down south in July, playing a different team in each of their three fixtures during that international window. They will host the other three southern teams in November, setting the stage for some blockbuster matchups for the Flying Fijians.

Fiji start their Nations Championship campaign with an opening round clash against Wales, before hosting England and Scotland during the Southern Hemisphere Series. They will play France, Ireland and Italy away from home ahead of the Finals Weekend in London.

“This is a historic moment for Fiji. Being invited into the Nations Championship places us alongside the very best in world rugby,” John Sanday, Fiji Rugby Union Chairman, said in a statement.

“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.”

Those six rounds will determine the final standings for the Finals Weekend, which will see the top-ranked sides from the north and south face off to become champions. Points will also be awarded in all matches to determine the winning hemisphere for the year.

In the final round before the finals, which will be three days of double-headers at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, England will host the All Blacks. New Zealand were beaten 33-19 by the English at that very venue last weekend.

Scotland host Japan, Wales will look to defeat Australia in Cardiff for the first time since 2021, France will take on Argentina, and Ireland play South Africa. Every round offers massive showdowns between some of the world’s best teams, and each result is going to matter.

Japan coach Eddie Jones described the Nations Championship as an important “springboard” for the Brave Blossoms ahead of the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup. This biennial competition gives the likes of Fiji and Japan regular high-stakes games against international juggernauts.

Brendan Morris, CEO of SANZAAR, added: “The establishment of The Nations Championship is a historic and exciting move for rugby that will see the SANZAAR Member Unions, with the addition of Fiji and Japan, take on the best of Europe and the Northern Hemisphere on a biennial basis.

“SANZAAR nations have a proud and successful record at international level. Our aim is to continue this record, and the Nations Championship, along with our rugby calendar for the 2026-2030 period, will provide the perfect pathway for continued success.

“We warmly welcome our Pacific neighbours Japan and Fiji into the tournament, as part of our ‘team’. The participating teams are excited, the broadcasters are excited, and the fans are excited, and we very much look forward to July 2026 when it all kicks off.”

Fiji’s 2026 Nations Championship draw

Round 1: Fiji vs Wales

Round 2: Fiji vs England

Round 3: Fiji vs Scotland

Round 4: France vs Fiji

Round 5: Ireland vs Fiji

Round 6: Italy vs Fiji