Rugby fans in Coffs Harbour will have the opportunity to see international talent on display when the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby returns to the C.ex Coffs International Stadium from 9 April to 12 April 2026.
The event, which is delivered by the NSW Rugby Union in partnership with the City of Coffs Harbour and the Mid North Coast Rugby Union, features a series of matches designed to help teams prepare for the upcoming World Rugby U20 Championship.
A highlight for local spectators will take place on Saturday, 11 April 2026, when the Fiji U20 team, affectionately known as the Baby Flying Fijians, takes on the Australian Stockmen at 5:00 pm. This match is part of an international day of play at the stadium, which also includes a match between Japan U23s and Australia U20s at 7:00 pm.
Among the players drawing attention is 18-year-old centre Maleli Nauvasi, who has been named in the Fijian Drua development squad. A standout talent from Dratabu village in Nadi, Nauvasi rose to prominence during the Vodafone Deans competition, where he helped Queen Victoria School win the U18 title and earned Player of the Match honours in the final.
The festival serves as an important step in the international youth rugby development pathway. While the Fiji U20 squad is also scheduled to play Japan U23s earlier in the tour, that match is set to take place in Grafton on 4 April 2026.
Organisers expect the week-long festival to draw significant interest and visitors to the region, providing a boost to local businesses and putting the community in the spotlight for international rugby followers.
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