Fiji v Wales match announced as Cardiff stadium to be transformed

Wales will play a rugby international at Cardiff City Stadium for the first time this summer

Fiji have confirmed they will host a match against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium, with the football venue set to be transformed to celebrate the country’s culture and heritage.

The Nations Championship clash, which is a designated home fixture for the the Fijians, will be held at the home of the League One club and national football team on July 4.

Fiji are hosting their home games in the Northern Hemisphere, and will play England at Everton’s Hill Dickinson stadium and Scotland at Murrayfield.

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The new biannual tournament starts later this year, with Wales taking on Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in the summer, followed by games against Japan, New Zealand and Australia in the autumn. There will then be a finals weekend in London at the end of November.

Wales’ three games in the autumn will be played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, taking the place of the regular autumn internationals.

As for this July’s matches, they are replacing the traditional summer tour matches.

The game against South Africa will be played at Kings Park in Durban, while the match against Argentina is set to be played in San Juan’s Estadio San Juan el Bicentenario.

However, Fiji will play their matches in the UK, having had to give up ‘home’ advantage in the competition.

The game will provide an opportunity for Welsh rugby fans to experience a taste of Fijian culture. As designated home fixtures, the matches will be a celebration of Fiji’s heritage, with fan zones that feature traditional music, food, entertainment and cultural performances, creating an authentic home-match atmosphere.

The Fijian Rugby Union say hosting the home game in Wales will be a historic moment and an unprecedented opportunity for Fiji Rugby to generate significant commercial returns that can be reinvested into grassroots rugby, enhanced facilities, player welfare, women’s rugby and high-performance programmes back in Fiji. By hosting the fixture in Wales, Fiji is looking to preserve its status as a High Performance Union by helping nurture and retain talent and build long-term competitiveness.

Koli Sewabu, CEO of Fiji Rugby Union, shared his excitement ahead of the tournament, saying: “Although our match against Wales won’t be played in Fiji, we’re determined to make each fixture feel every bit like a home game. Fans can expect a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere, a true celebration of Fijian rugby culture both on and off the pitch.

“We’ll be bringing our trademark flair, electric energy and passion, alongside the unmistakable sounds of Fijian island music, powerful traditional cultural performances and authentic Fijian cuisine, bringing the warmth, flavour and spirit of Fiji to life at the match.

“We’ll be giving absolutely everything on the field, and playing in a world-class stadium makes the occasion even more special. We’re excited to share that stage with the incredible support we know will be there to lift us.

“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.”

Wales head coach Steve Tandy added: “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 FC Head of Operations, Wayne Nash, said: “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.”

Fiji Rugby Nations Championship – Pool Stage Fixtures

Round 1: Fiji vs Wales – 4 July @ Cardiff City Stadium

Round 2: Fiji vs England – 11 July @ Hill Dickinson Stadium

Round 3: Fiji vs Scotland – 18 July @ Scottish Gas Murrayfield

Tickets for Fiji vs Wales will go on exclusive pre-sale at 9.30am on Tuesday 3rd March until 23.59 on Wednesday 4th March. General sale will commence at 9.30am on Thursday 5th March.