Fiji aim to create slice of Suva in Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Fiji have beaten Wales twice in their history with victories in 2007 and 2024 It is the question that has baffled some rugby fans this week. Why are Fiji playing a 'home' game in Cardiff against Wales in the new Nations Championship? Some 10,000 miles from the Fiji capital Suva. Fiji will play all three 'home' matches in the United Kingdown as their national stadium does not currently meet competition requirements, while travel logistics and commercial value were also considered. Fiji hope to raise revenue to build a 25,000 seater stadium in Suva that can host matches on 60 acres of recently acquired land. That dream, they hope, will be in place by the 2030 tournament. "That's what we're all wishing for, that in a couple of years, we might have a stadium that will host our team," said acting head coach Senirusi Seruvakula. "So it would be good to have this game in the future in our country and the people there will come out in numbers and watching in our stadium." Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Fiji are captained by hooker Tevita Ikanivere For now, Fiji will create a home from home on these shores to help raise their long-term dream. They will face England in Liverpool and Scotland in Edinburgh but it will all begin this weekend as a little bit of Suva comes to the Welsh capital. Organisers have promised the occasion will be marked by a programme of cultural activities designed to showcase the traditions, heritage and hospitality of Fiji to supporters attending the match. Fans making their way to the stadium will be welcomed by traditional Fijian warriors and cultural performers, while outside the ground an authentic Fijian village will be created. "It will be a great experience but while this is a home match for us, we know also we are playing Wales on their own turf," said Seruvakula. "So it's good to have that challenge because it's not the first time the Flying Fijians are playing away from home. "It is nothing new and the players get used to it." It will be the same for the Fijian public who will again be waking up in the early hours of a Sunday morning to watch their heroes. "It has been like that for many years now and we love the support and love we get," said Seruvakula. Beauty and brutality - six unforgettable Wales v Fiji games Published7 hours agoRees-Zammit reverts to Wales wing for Fiji Test Published1 day agoTandy pleased player dispute over before Fiji opener Published1 day agoImportance of Nations Championship to Fiji rugbyThe inaugural edition of the Nations Championship will provide its own logistical challenges for countries with travel and player welfare issues. For Fiji, it is finally a welcome opportunity to dine at world rugby's top table, a position they have more than earned with their performances in recent seasons which include wins against Wales, Australia, Scotland and England and a quarter-final finish in the 2023 World Cup. Seruvakula has outlined how crucial World Rugby's new tournament is for Fiji's future. "It's very important for us, especially for the people back home, our under-20s, all the pathways," said Seruvakula. "We're going to be playing in this competition for 10 years. To be in a tier one competition, that's huge for us. "That's what we've been wanting for a long time, to have that experience, especially going into the World Cup next year in Australia." Listen on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app which also has live text commentary. Watch live on S4C. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Fly-half Caleb Muntz scored 19 points in Fiji's previous visit to Cardiff - the same number as Wales Fiji will be favourites this weekend as they are ranked two places above Wales in the world rankings in ninth, with Steve Tandy's side in 11th. They also won 24-19 in their previous trip to Cardiff in November 2024, although that game was played at the Principality Stadium. Seruvakula, who took over at the helm in April from Mick Byrne, has named a strong side in his first game in charge. It is close to full strength with a mix of players from the domestic Fiji Drua side that play in Super Rugby and those based in Europe and Japan. It boasts a powerful centre combination in Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova, and includes Bordeaux's Champions Cup winning full-back Salesi Rayasi. "We have players who have already done it before by winning in Wales and anything is possible," said Seruvakula. "Wales have been in camp for a while now and we just marched into Cardiff last week and we have had 11 days to prepare. "We know they're going to be very tough in the physicality, breakdown and set-piece and they will be attacking us through the middle.

Fiji aim to create slice of Suva in Wales

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