The National Rugby League (NRL) has unveiled the schedule for the 2024 Pacific Championships, set to take place in four different nations over four weekends in October and November.
In a new format, the tournament will introduce promotion and relegation, where the champions of the Men’s and Women’s Pacific Bowls will face off against the third-placed teams from the Pacific Cup for a chance to compete in the 2025 Pacific Cup pools.
This year marks the inaugural hosting of matches in Fiji, joining other venues such as Port Moresby, Brisbane, Christchurch, Auckland, and Sydney.
The Men’s division will feature teams from Australia, New Zealand, and Tonga in the Cup, while Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Cook Islands will compete in the Bowl.
The Women’s tournament has expanded to include both Cup and Bowl divisions, with the Bowl serving as a qualifying event for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The Championships will kick off at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on October 18 with a double-header, followed by games in Fiji, Port Moresby, Christchurch, Auckland, and Sydney, concluding with the finals at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on November 10.
Queensland Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy emphasized the significance of Brisbane hosting the opening round and the anticipated economic benefits.
The event has backing from the NSW Government’s Destination NSW and the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports.
Tickets are available starting from $25 for adults and $50 for families, with early access for NRL Club Members.