Canada and the US are to rejoin the Pacific Nations Cup this year in a rejigged two-stage six-team competition that ends with finals in Japan.
World Rugby said in a news release that it was “creating an annual competition and rivalries like those seen in the men’s Six Nations and Rugby Championship.”
It said the finals in the revamped annual competition would alternate between Japan and the US.
Photo:AFP
The cup is to start with two three-team groups in August with Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in one and Japan, the US and Canada in the other. Each must play one home game and one away game as they face the other two teams in their group once each.
All six countries are then to head to Japan in September for the finals, which are to open with the two third-place group finishers facing off and the two semi-finals. The following weekend the two semi-final losers are to play for third, while the winners meet in the final. The three games on the first weekend would be in Tokyo, and the two on the second weekend would be in Osaka.
Japan coach Eddie Jones told World Rugby that he was looking forward to the competition.
“The Pacific Nations Cup is really important for Japan, because it allows us to play regular tests against strong countries in tournament conditions, which is great practice for the players for the Rugby World Cup,” the former Australia and England coach said.
“The Pacific Nations Cup fits in right next to the Rugby Championship and Six Nations in providing that regular competition for Pacific nations,” he added.
“Tonga will take this challenge with a smile and a thumping heart,” acting Tonga Rugby Union CEO Aisea Aholelei said.
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