World Rugby has unveiled the complete schedule for the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup, set to take place from August 22 to September 20, 2025. This year’s tournament will feature six vibrant rugby-playing nations: Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and the USA, all competing for the coveted title and a direct ticket to the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. Defending champions Fiji will kick off the tournament with a home match against Tonga in Suva on August 30.
The revamped Pacific Nations Cup, which evolved into its current format in 2024, aims to foster consistent and engaging competition for Pacific nations. This edition will build upon the successes of the previous year, providing teams opportunities to enhance their high-performance programs and compete on a global stage within a thoughtfully organized tournament.
Notably, for the first time, the final series will be hosted in the United States, highlighting USA Rugby’s growing importance in the global rugby landscape as it prepares to host the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033.
The tournament structure includes two regional pools designed to minimize travel and environmental impact while maximizing player recovery. Pool A consists of Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, while Pool B includes Canada, Japan, and the USA. Each team is guaranteed at least three matches, including a home game, that help to deepen fan engagement and promote rugby in their respective localities.
The opening week will witness riveting matchups, including the highly anticipated clash between Canada and the USA in Calgary on August 22, and Tonga’s match against Samoa in Nuku’alofa on August 23. As the tournament progresses, key matches will take place in cities across the Pacific region, with the finals scheduled for September 20 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
World Rugby’s commitment to sustainability and competitiveness is demonstrated through this tournament, making it more than just a contest for regional supremacy; it represents a vital pathway to the 2027 World Cup. The top three teams, excluding already qualified Fiji and Japan, will secure their spots for Australia, bringing excitement and urgency to each fixture.
As World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson stated, the Pacific Nations Cup is not only pivotal for regional teams but also for the broader mission of rugby’s inclusive and competitive growth globally. USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren emphasized the significance of this tournament in building a strong foundation for American rugby and advancing the sport’s visibility.
The 2025 Pacific Nations Cup is set to be a landmark event, and fans worldwide can look forward to an exhilarating month of rugby, culminating in a compelling championship battle among six determined nations.
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