Fiji Rugby, in partnership with CoLab Cymru, has launched the first in a new series of short films celebrating the people, families and stories behind the team ahead of the historic Fiji v Wales Nations Championship fixture at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday 4 July.
Produced by CoLab Cymru for Fiji Rugby, the opening film tells the story of Sosi and Amele, exploring their family’s journey and the unique connection between Wales and Fiji through rugby, heritage and community.
Moving beyond the action on the pitch, the series offers audiences an insight into the people behind the jersey, celebrating the values, resilience and cultural ties that unite both nations.
The films form part of Fiji Rugby’s wider programme of activity taking place across Wales in the build-up to the fixture, alongside business, cultural and community engagement designed to strengthen the relationship between Wales and Fiji.
Further episodes will be released throughout the week, each sharing a different story and offering a unique perspective on the players, their families and the communities they represent.
Alexandra Otley, supporting Fiji Rugby’s marketing and communications programme, said:“These stories are about much more than rugby. They celebrate family, culture and the enduring connections between Wales and Fiji. We’re proud to share these personal stories and incredibly grateful to the team at CoLab Cymru for bringing them to life so beautifully.”
The first film is now available across Fiji Rugby’s digital channels, with further episodes to follow throughout the week as excitement builds towards Saturday’s match.
Meanwhile, Wales head coach Steve Tandy has selected his squad ahead of their Nations Championship campaign, as Exeter’s Dafydd Jenkins will miss the summer.
In their opening Test this summer, Wales face Fiji in an ‘away’ fixture at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Following this encounter, Tandy’s side will then travel to San Juan a week later to face Argentina, before concluding the summer against the world champions, South Africa, in Durban.
Tandy was always going to drop players ahead of the inaugural competition because the English- and French-based players are now available for selection. 12 players have been cut from the original training squad that assembled for last weekend’s encounter against the Barbarians.
Saracens’ Rhys Carré, Bristol Bears’ Louis Rees-Zammit, Gloucester’s Tomos Williams, et al. are among the key individuals now all eligible for selection ahead of the match in the Welsh capital.
From the originally selected 48-man training squad, Cardiff’s Liam Belcher joined Louie Hennessey and Keiron Assiratti, who will all miss the summer internationals through injury.
PREM finalist Jenkins brutally misses out, as he has not returned to the Vale following his side’s defeat at Allianz Stadium against Northampton Saints. The 23-year-old sustained a shoulder injury during the contest and requires surgery.
Dewi Lake captains the 882-cap squad for the campaign. There are two uncapped players among the 19 forwards and 14 backs named: Ospreys tight-head prop Ben Warren and Exeter Chiefs back row Kane James.
Speaking following reducing the number of players in his squad, Tandy added: “We have selected a squad of 33 players for the Nations Championship to mirror what will be required for the World Cup in 2027.
“We are building a lot of competition among our group of players, which is what we want to have, and there were some tough calls to make.
“As I’ve mentioned before, the priorities for us this summer are to keep growing and developing the players. We want to continue building and to be more consistent in our performances across all three games.
“We have an exciting opportunity over the next three weeks in a brand-new competition and can’t wait to get our campaign started against Fiji on Saturday.”
Forwards: (19)
Adam Beard (Montpellier – 65 caps)
James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 21 caps)
Rhys Carre (Saracens – 28 caps)
Ben Carter (Dragons – 19 caps)
Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 48 caps)
Kane James (Exeter Chiefs – uncapped)
Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 31 caps)
Dillon Lewis (Dragons – 57 caps)
Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby – 8 caps)
Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 16 caps)
Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 24 caps)
Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 14 caps)
Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 29 caps)
Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 63 caps)
Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 44 caps)
Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 67 caps)
Sam Wainwright (Cardiff Rugby – 4 caps)
Ben Warren (Ospreys – uncapped)
Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 8 caps)
Backs: (14)
Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 70 caps)
Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 20 caps)
Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 11 caps)
Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby – 17 caps)
Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 31 caps)
Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 11 caps)
Eddie James (Scarlets – 9 caps)
Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 11 caps)
Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 8 caps)
Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys – 2 caps)
Blair Murray (Scarlets – 16 caps)
Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 40 caps)
Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 18 caps)
Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 72 caps).
