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World Rugby have confirmed that Japan will host a two-week Pacific Nations Cup tournament in September. Four teams will take part – Canada, Fiji, and the USA the others – and it will be contested in a straight knockout format. It’s a significant step back from 2025, when six teams competed in a two-stage format over four weeks. Last year’s finals were hosted by the USA.
Particularly notable is the absence of Samoa and Tonga. While the competition has taken different forms since its introduction in 2006, the Pacific Island nations have been core teams along with Fiji. In a media release, World Rugby acknowledged the change and said that the two cash-strapped unions “will continue to receive targeted high-performance support and funding.”
This year’s tournament will see the opening round played in Osaka, with the finals to take place a week later in Tokyo. A previously-confirmed test between Japan and Canada in Niigata on September 5 does not appear to be affected, but will not be part of the Pacific Nations Cup.
2026 PACIFIC NATIONS CUP
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Hanazono Stadium, Osaka
16:00 local – Fiji vs Canada
19:05 local – Japan vs USA
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Chichibunomiya Stadium, Tokyo
16:00 local – Third Place Final
19:05 local – First Place Final
