Canada to compete in rebranded Pacific Nations Cup

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team will compete in a newly rebranded annual international men’s 15s competition launching in August 2024. 

The Pacific Nations Cup will give Canada a minimum of three additional test matches per year, providing the team with guaranteed annual fixtures. Canada joins the United States and Japan in one of the two pools, the other consisting of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.  

“This is a significant opportunity for our men’s team to play quality opposition every year,” said Nathan Bombrys, Rugby Canada CEO. “We look forward to hosting Pacific Nations Cup fixtures annually, providing regular opportunities for Canadian fans to support their team on home soil. Rugby Canada looks forward to playing our part alongside World Rugby and the other participating unions to make this tournament a success. We thank World Rugby for the collaborative effort that has led to the formation of this competition.” 

Played in August and September of each year, all participating unions will host at least one match, with Japan and the United States hosting the finals, where the annual champions will be crowned, in alternate years starting with Japan in 2024. 

“Consistent competition against top nations is critical for the development of our men’s rugby program,” said Kingsley Jones, Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team. “The Pacific Nations Cup will give us important preparation time as a group, while playing much needed annual fixed matches against unions ranked within the top 20. We had the valuable opportunity of touring in Fiji and Tonga this past summer, and look forward to continued opportunities to compete with the Pacific Island unions, Japan, plus continue our healthy rivalry with the United States, as a result of this rebranded Pacific Nations Cup.” 

More information on the Pacific Nations Cup format can be found here. The full competition schedule and details on Canadian-hosted matches will be announced in 2024.