Six Nations respond to Fiji claims that they are joining the tournament

July 24, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

Following the Fijian Rugby Union's claim that the Flying Fijians are on the verge of joining the Six Nations in a competition set to kick off in November, a Six Nations spokesperson has told BBC Sport that the Pacific islanders may play in a new series of matches involving Six Nations teams but would not join the main competition.

Fiji is on the verge of joining the #SixNations 🏆

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 23, 2020

In a statement confirming the departure of Francis Kean, Fiji Rugby Union CEO John O’Connor said:

“We are on the verge of joining the Six Nations Rugby Competition and have Super Rugby New Zealand and Australia knocking on our doors, great opportunities for Fiji Rugby which we could only dream of in the past.”

However, the Six Nations representative has confirmed Fiji might only be involved in a new series involving the Six Nations teams at the end of 2020.

On Wednesday, World Rugby outlined a plan to complete this year's suspended Six Nations in October, then have the competition regulars and "invited teams hosted in Europe" play from November 14 to December 5.

World Rugby did not name the invited teams but Fiji, which has a host of players already in Europe signed with top clubs, appears a likely candidate.