Hoyt backs Flying Fijians to upset rugby heavyweights

Rising Flying Fijians tighthead prop Tim Hoyt believes Fiji can cause more upsets in the new Nations Championship and carry that momentum into next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The 24-year-old told The Rugby Paper that regular matches against the world's leading teams would help Fiji continue its rise on the international stage.

Hoyt, a former England Under-20 representative, will leave Worcester to join French Top 14 club Lyon next season after switching his international allegiance to Fiji last year.

"Fiji, starved of fixtures against bigger teams between tournaments, can only get better with more exposure against top teams and by spending more time together," he said.

The Flying Fijians open their Nations Championship campaign against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday (Fiji time).

Meanwhile, Wales head coach Steve Tandy expects another demanding encounter against Fiji after describing the Flying Fijians as an unpredictable side.

Tandy said Wales' victory over the Barbarians in London last Sunday provided valuable preparation ahead of the Fiji Test.

Wales were without 13 players based at clubs in England and France because the match fell outside World Rugby's international player release window.

The victory followed Wales' Six Nations win over Italy in March, giving the side successive victories for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Fiji defeated Wales 24-19 in their previous Test meeting in Cardiff on November 10, 2024.

Tandy said there was still room for improvement despite the win over the Barbarians.

"There's lots to learn and get better at, but getting the win is great for us," he said.

"I thought we probably could have put more distance in it in the first half, but it was a brilliant hit-out for us. There were lots to like.

"I think it's everything you wanted going into Fiji because that's going to be chaotic at times. There are going to be moments when you can be in really good positions and then something happens. It's great preparation."

After facing Fiji, Wales will travel to Argentina and South Africa later in the competition.

The Flying Fijians play Wales on July 6 (Fiji time), England at Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 13 (Fiji time) and Scotland at Murrayfield on July 20 (Fiji time).