World Rugby has confirmed the full schedule for the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 (PNC), which will run from 22 August to 20 September, as Fiji look to defend the title against 2024 runners-up Japan Brave Blossoms, Samoa, Tonga, USA, and Canada.
This is the second edition of the expanded competition, and in 2025, the USA will host the PNC Final Series for the first time, with matches due to be held in Denver and Salt Lake City (Utah). For the teams who have yet to qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2027, the PNC also offers direct qualification for the tournament in Australia.
The best three teams of the Pacific Nations Cup 2025, other than already-qualified Fiji and Japan, will qualify for RWC Australia 2027, while the sixth-place team will join the South America/Pacific Play-off.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “By balancing high-performance standards with financial, environmental, and logistical considerations, the PNC offers a model that supports the long-term health of our sport. The structure, regional pools, home fixtures, finals rotation, and integrated development pathways ensure that players, fans, and unions all benefit.
Strategic host markets like Japan and the United States are playing key roles in rugby’s global expansion, combining established fan bases with emerging commercial potential.”
Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Format and Schedule
The PNC teams are split into two regional pools of three, which is intended to minimise long-haul travel during the pool stage and reduce the tournament’s carbon footprint, said World Rugby.
- Pool A: Fiji, Samoa, Tonga
- Pool B: Canada, Japan, USA
Every competing team will have at least three matches, including a minimum of one home fixture. Defending PNC champions Fiji, set to defend their title with a home opener in Suva on 30 August, while the Japan Brave Blossoms play Canada at home on the same date before travelling to play the USA in California on 6 September.
Kick-off times and broadcast arrangements will be announced in the coming weeks.
Week 1
- Friday, 22 August: Canada v USA – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Saturday, 23 August: Tonga v Samoa – Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Week 2
- Saturday, 30 August: Fiji v Tonga – HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji
- Saturday, 30 August: Japan v Canada – Sendai Yurtec Stadium, Sendai, Japan
Week 3
- Saturday, 6 September: Samoa v Fiji – Rotorua, New Zealand
- Saturday, 6 September: USA v Japan – Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
Finals Week
- Sunday, 14 September – Semi-finals (DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado)
- Fifth v Sixth play-off (Men’s RWC 2027 qualifier) A3 v B3
- Semi-final 1: A2 v B1
- Semi-final 2: A1 v B2
These match-ups will determine which teams advance to the Cup final and third-place play-off, and fifth v sixth play-off.
The World Rugby Chair added, “The USA Finals will mark a pivotal moment in preparation for Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033, and I would like to thank all our local partners, starting with USA Rugby, for transforming this ambitious vision into a reality.”
USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren, commented, “We couldn’t be more pleased to announce the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup, as we venture further in hosting premier global rugby on US soil.
With Rugby World Cup 2031 and 2033 inching closer, major event opportunities like the Pacific Nations Cup are key contributors in growing the American rugby fanbase, engaging partners and raising the profile of our sport. We have a lot to look forward to this fall as our Men’s Eagles target Rugby World Cup qualification in front of the home crowd.”
- Saturday, 20 September – Finals (America First Field, Salt Lake City, Utah):
- Third v Fourth play-off
- Final
PNC 2025 Match Officials
This PNC 2025 tournament consists of 11 matches, which will be officiated by nine Emirates World Rugby Match Officials representing eight nations.
From the JRFU, Takehito Namekawa and Katsuki Furuse will both be involved as match officials. Damian Schneider (Argentina) has been handed the honour of refereeing the final in Salt Lake City on 20 September.
How To Watch The Pacific Nations Cup 2025
All PNC 2025 matches will be available globally through local broadcast partners as well as on RugbyPass TV.
2025 Rugby Tournaments
- NZ U85KG Tour to Sri Lanka May 2025 – “It’s hard to come across anyone who doesn’t think it’s a great idea”.
- Taiyo Seimei Women’s Sevens Series 2025 – Expansion And Exciting Signings.
- Emerging Nations Need a Fairer Playing Field for Age-Grade Competitions.
- Takehito Namekawa Appointed AR for All Blacks vs France July 2025 Tests, Brave Blossoms vs Wales Match Officials Confirmed.
Trending Now
The Best Social 2025 Rugby Tournaments In Asia
