World Rugby, in partnership with USA Rugby and TEG Rugby Live, has officially announced the full schedule for the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 (PNC), the second edition of the revitalized and expanded competition that is fast becoming a pillar of the international rugby calendar.
In a major step forward for rugby in North America, the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Finals will be hosted on US soil, with Denver and Salt Lake City set to welcome fans for the knockout rounds of the competition, and Sacramento hosting a pool game between Japan and the USA. This is significant in underscoring USA Rugby’s growing role in the global game and its lead-up to hosting the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and 2033, respectively.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to announce the Pacific Nations Cup 2025, as we venture further in hosting premier global rugby on US soil," said USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren. "With Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033 inching closer, major event opportunities like the Pacific Nations Cup are key contributors in growing the American rugby fan base, 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.”
This year’s tournament will once again bring together six of the most dynamic and passionate rugby nations: Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and the USA, battling it out for glory and direct qualification for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, with defending 2024 PNC champions Fiji, set to defend their title with a home opener in Suva on 30 August.
The USA Men's Eagles will also begin their pool play with a fixture against Canada in Calgary, August 22nd, before heading home for the much-anticipated Semifinals and Final rounds.
“The re-imagined Pacific Nations Cup is more than just a tournament, it’s a manifestation of World Rugby’s broader commitment to building a global game that is inclusive, competitive, and sustainable," said World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson. “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, ensures that players, fans, and unions all benefit.
“Meanwhile, 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. 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.”
