A new format introduced by World Rugby for this year’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) has sparked significant interest.
This initiative is in collaboration with the six participating nations: Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Japan, Canada, and the United States of America (USA).
World Rugby aims to enhance global rugby competitiveness in preparation for the expanded men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027.
FORMAT
This year’s PNC is divided into two pools: Pool A includes Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, while Pool B consists of Japan, USA, and Canada.
Each team will play two matches, one of which will be a home game, during a three-week pool stage from August 23 to September 7.
The top two teams from each pool will proceed to the semifinals.
The elimination rounds start on September 14 with the 5th place playoff at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. The first semifinal will take place the same day and at the same venue, while the second semifinal will be held there the following day.
The tournament will conclude on September 21 with the third-place playoff and the grand final at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka, Japan.
NEW LAWS
The opening match on August 23 promises excitement as the Flying Fijians face off against a strong Manu Samoa team at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva at 6 pm.
This year’s competition will also trial new rugby laws and some law changes, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
The PNC, now in its 17th year, has been a significant event on the rugby calendar. The Flying Fijians are the defending champions, having won the Cup last year at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo, Japan, securing a record six-title wins in the competition, including four consecutive victories from 2015 to 2018.