Why England are playing Fiji in Liverpool: Nations Championship 

In fact, Fiji will play all of this summer’s Nations Championship matches almost 10,000 miles away from the Fijian capital, Suva.

Last weekend they hosted Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium in a ‘home’ match; this weekend they host Steve Borthwick’s side, before concluding against Scotland in Edinburgh seven days later.

They are playing all of their matches in the United Kingdom because their national stadium doesn’t meet the competition requirements, whilst logistical travel challenges and commercial value are also understood to be reasons.

Fiji aspires to continue growing revenue, which will then allow it to build a 25,000-seater stadium in Suva, capable of hosting international matches in the future.

The dream is to be in a position to play in Fiji by the 2030 tournament.

“That is what we are all wishing for,” said acting head coach Senirusi Seruvakula, whose side got their Nations Championship underway with a 39-24 loss against Wales.

“So it would be good to have (these games against Wales, England, and Scotland) in the future in our country, and the people there will come out in numbers and watching in our stadium.”

On playing away from home, Seruvakula added: “It’s good to have that challenge because it’s not the first time the Flying Fijians are playing away from home.

England last played in Suva in 1991, their second visit to the nation.

That contest, when Will Carling was captain, saw the Red Rose head into the final 20 minutes even, 12-12.

But with a converted try scored by Rory Underwood, a drop goal, and a try from Rob Andrew, the team sealed the 28-12 victory.

England head into the contest on the banks of the River Mersey following over a 10,000-mile round trip to face the double world champions, South Africa, in Johannesburg.

Borthwick’s side is in the midst of a five-Test losing streak stretching back to February, with their only win of 2026 being against Wales at Allianz Stadium.

It’s a must-win for England against Fiji, but Seruvakula expects his side to be much better than their performance in the Welsh capital.

Following this contest in the north-west of England, England will then conclude their summer schedule against Argentina in Santiago del Estero seven days later.