A programme of business, diplomatic and community activity is set to take place in Cardiff as the city prepares to host Fiji Rugby Union for the opening fixture of the inaugural Nations Championship.
The match against Wales is due to take place at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday July 4.
In the week leading up to the match Fiji Rugby Union, supported by the Fiji High Commission, Cardiff Council and a range of Welsh stakeholders, will undertake a series of events designed to strengthen business relationships, promote cultural exchange and create a lasting legacy between Fiji and Wales.
The programme will include a Civic Reception at Cardiff Castle, a Trade and Investment Symposium, community engagement initiatives in local schools, hospitality events and the launch of the Fiji Rugby Foundation.
The activity reflects Fiji Rugby Union's ambition to use the Nations Championship as a platform not only for sporting excellence but also for international engagement, diplomacy and economic collaboration.
Fiji Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer, Koli Sewabu, said:
“This competition represents a transformational moment for Fiji Rugby and for Fiji as a nation. It provides our players with regular access to the highest level of international competition while also creating opportunities for Fiji to strengthen its presence on the global stage through sport, business, tourism and cultural exchange.
“We see this visit as an opportunity to build relationships, engage with communities and create meaningful connections that extend well beyond rugby itself.”
The Nations Championship marks Fiji's participation in a structured Tier One international competition for the first time.
A key element of the programme will be the Fiji Trade and Investment Symposium, taking place at Glamorgan County Cricket Club, Sophia Gardens, on Thursday 2 July.
The event will bring together representatives from business, government and industry to explore opportunities for future collaboration between Fiji and Wales.
Support is being provided by a number of Welsh organisations, including Cardiff Council, Welsh Government stakeholders, the Wales Chamber of Commerce, CBI Wales, the Institute of Directors and ICAEW Wales.
A spokesperson for the Fiji High Commission in London said:
“The Government of Fiji, through His Excellency the President and the Honourable Prime Minister, is greatly privileged to support the 2026 Nations Championship.
“This tournament reflects not only the significance of sports diplomacy, but also the strong relationship between Fiji and Wales, particularly through rugby.
“The week leading up to the match provides an important opportunity to promote trade, investment and cultural exchange, while strengthening relationships between our two nations. We hope this inaugural programme sets the benchmark for future Nations Championship activity.”
Nigel Payne DL, President of the Consular Association in Wales, has played a key role in supporting Fiji Rugby Union's engagement programme and believes the visit demonstrates the growing importance of sporting diplomacy.
He said:
“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together and create opportunities that would not otherwise exist.
“The relationships formed through events such as this often lead to business partnerships, educational exchanges and cultural collaborations that continue long after the final whistle has blown.”
Cardiff Council Leader, Councillor Chris Weaver, said:
“We're delighted to be welcoming Fiji to Cardiff for the inaugural match of the Nations Championship. There's always a warm welcome for visitors here and we're looking forward to making the team and visiting rugby fans feel right at home.
“Cardiff is world-renowned for hosting major sporting events and this promises to be another fantastic occasion, drawing thousands of visitors into the city, supporting local businesses and providing an opportunity to experience authentic Fijian culture in the heart of the Welsh capital.”
One of the most visible examples of that cultural engagement has been the creation of the “Fiji Arms” in Cardiff.
The initiative has transformed a city-centre venue into a hub for supporters and visitors, celebrating Fijian culture, hospitality and rugby heritage while encouraging footfall into local businesses.
Organisers believe the concept could provide a blueprint for future international sporting events seeking to strengthen connections between visiting supporters and host cities.
Speaking about the wider legacy of the event, Sewabu believes the Nations Championship offers opportunities that extend well beyond sport.
“The Nations Championship provides a unique platform to tell Fiji's story to the world.
“Whether through tourism, trade, investment or cultural engagement, sport opens doors. We see this competition as an opportunity to deepen international relationships while creating meaningful value for our partners, supporters and stakeholders.”
