Cardiff pub becomes 'The Fiji Arms' ahead of Nations Championship

The Lansdowne pub in Canton, Cardiff, underwent a vibrant transformation into "The Fiji Arms" on Thursday, creating a unique fusion of Welsh and Fijian culture ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship. The event aimed to foster community spirit through shared passions for music, food, and rugby.

Decked out with Fijian flags, custom signage, and traditional decor, the pub served as Fiji Rugby's "home from home" for an afternoon. Players, media, and special guests gathered to mark the countdown to the tournament, which will see Fiji play its home fixtures in the UK. A special joint performance by Welsh and Fijian choirs highlighted the cultural exchange, celebrating the camaraderie between the two nations through rugby.

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The sense of community we’ve found in the UK has made us feel genuinely welcome here, and we can’t wait to celebrate our shared passion for rugby when the Nations Championship kicks off for us on 4 July.

Fiji Rugby Union's Director of Rugby, Lailanie Burnes, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from Cardiff and Wales. "We want to showcase our culture to as many people as possible, and ‘The Fiji Arms’ felt like a perfect way to blend the best of both countries," she stated. The event offered guests a taste of Fijian-inspired cuisine and showcased traditional artwork and memorabilia, providing an authentic cultural experience.

FIJI Water Flying Fijian prop, who was present at the event, shared his appreciation for the embrace of Fijian culture. "The sense of community we’ve found in the UK has made us feel genuinely welcome here, and we can’t wait to celebrate our shared passion for rugby when the Nations Championship kicks off for us on 4 July," he said. The transformation is a preview of the larger celebration planned for the tournament opener in Cardiff.

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We want to showcase our culture to as many people as possible, and ‘The Fiji Arms’ felt like a perfect way to blend the best of both countries.