**Fiji Set to Compete in Expanded World Rugby U20 Championship in 2025**
Fijian rugby fans received exciting news as World Rugby confirmed that Fiji will participate in the expanded Under-20 Championship next year. The tournament will increase from 12 to 16 teams, with Georgia set to host the event in 2026.
The move to expand the competition is part of World Rugby’s effort to boost global competitiveness and give more nations the opportunity to compete at the highest junior level.
Fiji, alongside Japan, Uruguay, and the USA, has been added to the 2025 edition of the Championship. Fiji earned its place despite being relegated from the U20 Championship in 2024, while the other three teams finished second, third, and fourth respectively in the 2024 U20 Trophy.
This marks the first time since 2009 that 16 teams will take part in the U20 Championship. The expansion also means that there will be no relegation from the 2025 tournament for the team that loses the 11th place play-off between Ireland and Spain.
World Rugby has yet to finalize details regarding the promotion and relegation structure for the 2027 edition.