World Rugby has confirmed that the United States will be the venue for the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) Finals Series for the venue for the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) Finals Series for the very first time.
The complete timetable for this revamped competition has been released, with matches scheduled from August 22 to September 20, 2025.
After a successful expansion and renewal of the PNC in 2024, six enthusiastic rugby nations will compete for the championship, with direct qualification for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia on the line.
The participating teams have been organized into two regional groups of three to reduce travel in the early rounds of the tournament. Pool A includes reigning champions Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, while Pool B consists of the USA, Canada, and Japan.
“The revamped Pacific Nations Cup is not merely a competition; it embodies World Rugby’s wider commitment to fostering a global sport that is inclusive, competitive, and sustainable,” stated World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson.
In a notable achievement for rugby in North America, the USA recently hosted the HSBC SVNS Series World Championship in Los Angeles. Now, it will host another significant rugby event with the PNC Finals set to occur in Denver and Salt Lake City.
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The USA, which is set to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup, will also host a USA-Japan pool play match at Sacramento on September 6.
“With Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033 approaching, events like the Pacific Nations Cup are crucial for expanding the rugby audience in America, engaging partners, and elevating the profile of our sport,” remarked USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren.
“We are excited to announce the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup as we continue to host premier international rugby events on American soil,”Bill Goren added.
Fiji and Japan have already qualified for the upcoming Men’s Rugby World Cup, but other teams still have opportunities to secure their spots. The top three teams from the PNC, excluding Fiji and Japan, will earn qualification for Australia 2027.
Additionally, the team finishing in sixth place will have a chance to compete in the South America/Pacific Play-off for a place in the tournament.
Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Schedule
Week 1
• Friday, August 22: Canada vs USA – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• Saturday, August 23: Tonga vs Samoa – Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Week 2
• Saturday, August 30: Fiji vs Tonga – HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji
• Saturday, August 30: Japan vs Canada – Sendai Yurtec Stadium, Sendai, Japan
Week 3
• Saturday, September 6: Samoa vs Fiji – Rotorua, New Zealand
• Saturday, September 6: USA vs Japan – Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
FINALS SERIES
• Sunday, September 14: Semi-finals – DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado
• Fifth vs Sixth playoff
• Semi-final 1: A2 vs B1
• Semi-final 2: A1 vs B2
• Saturday, September 20: Finals – America First Field, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Third vs Fourth playoff
• Final
