Scotland to have home advantage in 'celebration of culture and heritage'

They hope to turn the game, on Saturday July 18, into a “celebration of Fijian culture and heritage”.

Most of Fiji’s players are based in Europe and they will play all three of their summer ‘home’ matches in the Nations Championship on foreign soil, which will be more financially beneficial for them.

The switch will certainly suit Scotland who have historically found playing Fiji away a tough fixture. Gregor Townsend’s side lost 29-14 to the islanders in Suva in the summer, with Darcy Graham being sent off. Fiji also beat Scotland in 2017 during Townsend’s first tour as Scotland head coach.

The match at Murrayfield in July will be Scotland’s third in the inaugural Nations Championship, a new tournament which pits the best northern hemisphere teams against those from the south. The Scots will face Argentina and South Africa away on the previous two weekends in July before returning to Edinburgh to play Fiji.

Fiji said that hosting the home game in Scotland will provide “an unprecedented opportunity for Fiji Rugby to generate commercial returns that can be reinvested into grassroots rugby, enhanced facilities, player welfare, women’s rugby and high-performance programmes back in Fiji”.

Nurturing talent

A statement from Fiji Rugby said: “By hosting this fixture in Scotland, 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, added: “Although our match against Scotland won’t be played in Fiji, we’re determined to make it 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 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.”

Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby’s Director of Stadium Development & Operations, said: “We are looking forward to hosting Fiji in their match against Scotland as part of the new Nations Championship in July.

“This fixture is an added date in the calendar for our fans to support Scotland at Scottish Gas Murrayfield but also a chance for the Fiji diaspora to see their national team in this unique home match.

“We will be providing a full range of logistical and operational support to ensure this match at Scottish Gas Murrayfield is a success, for both Unions

“With the match taking place in a key time for tourism in our capital city, I hope that a lot of visitors join us in what will be an exciting day of summer rugby.”

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