2025 PACIFIC NATIONS CUP CONFIRMED AS CANADA’S DIRECT QUALIFICATION PATHWAY TO RUGBY WORLD CUP 2027

World Rugby has announced a reimagination of the qualification process for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, the first time the Rugby World Cup will feature 24 nations. With the core principle of qualifying on merit and simplifying the process for fans and teams, the new process opens new avenues for more teams to reach the pinnacle of the sport, raising global standards along the way.

Canada’s direct qualification pathway will come in 2025 through the Pacific Nations Cup, a new annual tournament that will see Canada compete annually against Japan, the United States, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Canada will kick off their 2024 Pacific Nations Cup campaign when they face Japan at BC Place in Vancouver on August 25.

Rugby World Cup qualification adds another level of importance to this tournament with the top three teams in 2025, besides Fiji and Japan who have already secured their spot in Australia, qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2027. Learn more about the qualification process for the expanded men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia here.

“The qualification pathway for Rugby World Cup 2027 is clear for our Canadian National Team and the preparation starts now when we host Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup next Sunday at BC Place in Vancouver,” said Nathan Bombrys, Rugby Canada CEO. “The Pacific Nations Cup provides the opportunity host games in Canada every year while playing against nations all ranked in the Top 16 in the world. We are excited to begin the competition on home soil and will be building toward Rugby World Cup qualification next year.”

Through the newly rebranded Pacific Nations Cup, Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team will a minimum of three additional test matches per year, providing the team with guaranteed annual fixtures.

More information about the Pacific Nations Cup can be found here.

Tickets for the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup in Vancouver are available for purchase at rugby.ca/en/tickets. Questions regarding ticket purchases can be directed to tickets@rugby.ca. For more information on suites, please contact suites@rugby.ca. Broadcast information will be announced shortly.

2024 Pacific Nations Cup Schedule

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team vs Japan (Pacific Nations Cup)
Sunday August 25, 2024
2:00pm PT / 5:00pm ET
BC Place, Vancouver
Buy tickets here

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team vs United States (Pacific Nations Cup)
Saturday August 31, 2024
6:00pm PT / 9:00pm ET
Dignity Health Sports Park, Los Angeles
Buy tickets here

Remaining Pacific Nations Cup matches to be determined based on the results of Canada’s matches against Japan and the United States.