Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 Explained

As was announced in 2023, the new Ashahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup will feature Japan, Canada, Fiji,  Samoa, Tonga and the USA and the dates for the tournament have been confirmed – with three pool rounds from 23rd August to 7th September before the finals take place in Japan from 14-21 September.

Updated 16th August – Team News, Venues & KO,  & Sponsorship

Each of the six participating Men’s XV national teams will be guaranteed a minimum of three tests and one home fixture, which World Rugby says will “boost development, exposure, and competitiveness” ahead of an expanded Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

World Rugby’s new High-Performance Pathways and Player Development Manager Simon Raiwalui said: “We are incredibly proud and excited to launch the revamped Pacific Nations Cup this year with a vibrant brand and an optimised match schedule. The six teams taking part in the competition will benefit from long-term certainty around fixtures, allowing them to optimise their preparations and engage with fans and commercial partners.”

Fiji and Japan qualified for RWC 2023 based on previous results, Samoa and Tonga went through the qualification process to compete in France, while neither the USA nor Canada managed to qualify from the Americas.

The Pacific Nations Cup has been embedded within the new international rugby calendar, and World Rugby confirmed “feeding into the new competition to be launched in 2026” (This refers to the proposed new two-division global competition model from 2026 which includes crossover fixtures against high-performance unions),

Following the completion of the PNC 2024 group rounds, the first Pacific Nations Cup finals series will be hosted in Japan in Tokyo and Osaka from 14-21 September 2024.

The USA will be hosting in alternate years, we assume to help the country prepare for RWC 2031 which it will be hosting for the first time before it also hosts the Women’s RWC in 2033.

Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024

On August 16th 2024, World Rugby announced that Asahi Super Dry had joined as the title sponsor, just one week before the tournament was due to get underway.

The governing body said, “Asahi will play a leading role in showcasing the six-team men’s international competition running between 23 August and 21 September, which has been reimagined to optimise high performance, fan engagement and revenue outcomes as a major event in the annual rugby calendar.

The Asahi Group is a firm supporter of rugby, having played a leading role in delivering Rugby World Cup France 2023, the most commercially successful rugby event ever, as a Worldwide Partner. The title sponsorship of one of the world’s premier annual rugby events is a natural progression for Asahi and reflects their continued support of rugby on a global basis.”

Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Serves As RWC 2027 Qualification Pathway

It was also confirmed in August 2024, that the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 would serve as a pathway to qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

Fiji and Japan have already qualified but for Samoa, Tonga, the USA, and Canada positions in the PNC will be vital – you can read more here about the RWC 2027 pathways.

Pacific Nations Cup 2024 Fixtures

There are two regional pools of three teams to minimise player travel during the pool phase from 23rd August to 7th September, with games held over consecutive weekends.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin added, “The model supports welfare and also provides unprecedented certainty of fixtures for unions to help increase awareness, excitement and value, while the grand final in the USA every two years is at the heart of our strategy to grow rugby visibility, accessibility and relevance on the road to Rugby World Cup 2031 and 2033. In short, this is a competition that serves several important purposes.”

The PNC will be a boost for the Pacific national teams and the format means a significant increase in the number of tests organised in the Pacific Islands.

• Tonga will host more home Pacific Nations Cup fixtures in the next four years than they have in all competitions over the last decade.
• Fiji, Samoa and Tonga make up Pool A and will play each other in home or away fixtures.
• Canada, Japan and the USA will face each other in a round-robin format to claim the top two positions in Pool B.

The winner-takes-all finals series will take place in Japan and the USA (in alternating years), which World Rugby claims are “two strategically important markets for the future advancement of the sport.”

In 2024,  all six teams will travel to Tokyo to either play in the fifth-place play-off or the semi-finals between pool winners and pool runners-up on 14-15 September before the finals the following weekend.

More details can be found on the PNC tournament website.

PNC Week #1 Fixtures – 23-25 August 2024

• Fiji v Samoa | HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji​ | Fri 23 August, 18:00 (GMT+12) Pool A
• Canada v Japan​ | BC Place, Vancouver, Canada | Sun 25 Aug, 14:00 (PDT) Pool B

PNC Week #2 Fixtures – 30-31 August 2024

• Samoa v Tonga | Apia Park, Apia, Samoa | Fri 30 Aug, 17:00 (GMT+13) Pool A
• USA v Canada | Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, USA | Sat 31 Aug, 18:00 (PDT) Pool B

PNC Week #3 Fixtures – 6-7 September 2024

• Tonga v Fiji | Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa​, Tonga | Fri 6 Sept, 16:00​ (GMT+13) Pool A
• Japan v USA | Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Saitama, Japan | Sat 7 Sept, 19:05 (JST) Pool B

PNC Week #4 Fixtures – 14-15 September 2024

• Fifth place play-off | Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo, Japan | Sat 14 Sept, 16:00 (JST)
• Semi-Final 1 | Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo, Japan | Sat 14 Sept, 19:05 (JST)
• Semi-Final 2 | Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo, Japan | Sun 15 Sept​ 15:05 (JST)

PNC Week #5 Fixtures – 21st September 2024

• Third place play-off | Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan | Sat 21 Sept, 16:00 (JST)
• Final | Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan | Sat 21 Sept, 19:05 (JST)

Match Officials – Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024

All of the match official appointments for the PNC 2024 can be found here.

What The Participating Unions Said – PNC 2024

JRFU Brave Blossoms PNC Squad – Eddie Jones

New Japan men’s head coach Eddie Jones said of the tournament: “The Pacific Nations Cup is really important for Japan because it allows us to play regular tests against strong countries in tournament conditions, which is great practice for the players for Rugby World Cup.”

The former England and Australia Head Coach explained, “The Pacific Nations Cup fits in right next to the Rugby Championship and Six Nations in providing that regular competition for Pacific nations. Having finals is also a good way for players to experience games that have consequences, and it is great for Japan to host them in the first year, showing why it is a great rugby country.”

Forwards: Takato Okabe, Shogo Miura, Takayoshi Mohara, Atsushi Sakate, Mamoru Harada, Kenta Matsuoka, Ysuske Kizu, Shuhei Takeuchi, Keijiro Tamefusa, Epineri Uluiviti, Eishin Kuwano, Sanaila Waqa, Warner Dearns, Amanaki Saumaki, Kanji Shimokawa, Tiennan Costley, Isaiah Mapusua, Kai Yamamoto, Faulua Makisi.

Backs: Taiki Koyama, Shinobu Fujiwara, Yamato Murata, Rikiya Matsuda, Seungsin Lee, Kohaku Ebisawa, Koga Nezuka, Harumichi Tatekawa, Samisoni Tua, Tomoki Osada, Nicholas McCurran, Dylan Riley, Malo Tuitama, Jone Naikabula, Yoshitaka Yazaki, Takuya Yamasawa.

USA Rugby Men’s XV – CEO, Ross Young

Current USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young said: “This is a massively exciting day for USA Rugby, as many years of hard work and collaboration come together in an official schedule of events. Kicking off our Pacific Nations Cup campaign on home soil in Los Angeles will be a premier experience as we lay the foundation for the finals series to be hosted here in 2025.

We’re thrilled for the rugby community to join us in this new era of annual competition and opportunity for USA fans and partners alike.”

(Bill Goren took over as the new USA Rugby CEO on March 18th 2024).

Props

Jack Iscaro – Old Glory DC
Jake Turnbull – Anthem RC
Pono Davis* – Houston SaberCats
Alex Maughan – RFCLA
Paul Mullen – Utah Warriors

Hookers

Sean McNulty* – Miami Sharks
Kapeli Pifeleti – Saracens (ENG)
Cyrille Cama* – San Diego Legion

Locks

William Waguespack* – NOLA Gold
Greg Peterson – San Diego Legion
Jason Damm – RFCLA

Back rows

Viliami Helu Flanker San Diego Legion
Cory Daniel Flanker Old Glory DC
Paddy Ryan Flanker San Diego Legion
Moni Tonga’uiha Flanker NOLA Gold
Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz No. 8 Old Glory DC
Thomas Tu’avao No. 8 Utah Warriors

Outside Backs

JP Smith – Scrumhalf – Seattle Seawolves
Ruben de Haas – Scrumhalf – Cheetahs (RSA)
Ethan McVeigh – Scrumhalf – Old Glory DC
Luke Carty – Flyhalf – Chicago Hounds
Rand Santos* – Flyhalf Univ. of Cal – Berkeley

Centres

Bryce Campbell – Chicago Hounds
Tavite Lopeti – Seattle Seawolves
Dominic Besag – Saint Mary’s College
Tommaso Boni – Old Glory DC

Wings

Nate Augspurger – Wing – Chicago Hounds
Conner Mooneyham – Wing – Seattle Seawolves
Mitch Wilson – Wing – New England Free Jacks
Toby Fricker* – Fullback – New England Free Jacks
Chris Mattina – Fullback – San Diego Legion

See more on the USA side here.

Tonga Men’s XV – Acting CEO Aisea Aholelei

“The Tonga Rugby Union is excited about this revamped Pacific Nations Cup because of its significance to Tongan rugby and the ‘Ikale Tahi team. The competition will be fierce as all teams will try and prove they belong to the top teams in world rugby. Tonga will take this challenge with a smile and a thumping heart. It will be exciting,” said Tongan Acting CEO Aisea Aholelei.

Samoa Men’s XV

Head Coach: Mase Mahonri Schwalger

Forwards: Lolani Faleiva, Marco Fepuleai, Tietie Tuimauga, Kalolo Tuiloma, Aki Seiuli, Sama Malolo, Andrew Tuala, Luteru Tolai, Michael Curry, Sam Slade, Senio Toleafoa, Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee, Theo McFarland, Murphy Taramai, Izaiha Moore-Aiono, Olajuwon Noa, Iakopo Mapu, Taleni Seu, Fred Tuilagi.

Backs: Melani Matavao, Jonathan Taumateine, Afa Moleli, Alai D’Angelo Leuila, Rodney Iona, Danny Toala, Stacey Ili, Alapati Leiua, Pisi Leilua, Owen Niue Fetu, Tomasi Alosio, Tuna Tuitama.

Rugby Canada Men’s XV – CEO Nathan Bombrys

Nathan Bombrys said from a Canadian perspective of the Pacific Nations Cup: “We are very excited to see our Canadian national team return to BC Place for an international match against an exciting Japan team. The Pacific Nations Cup provides consistent annual fixtures and quality competition for our men, and we look forward to kicking off the tournament in front of a Canadian crowd in August.”

Props
Cole Keith (New England Free Jacks) 31 caps
Cali Martinez (Old Glory DC) 1 cap
Sam Miller (Pacific Pride) uncapped
Liam Murray (Dallas Jackals) 10 caps
Conor Young (RFC Los Angeles) 7 caps

Hooker
Dewald Kotze (Dallas Jackals) 1 cap
Jesse Mackail (Pacific Pride) 1 cap
Andrew Quattrin (New England Free Jacks) 22 caps

Locks
Callum Botchar (NOLA Gold) 1 cap
Kaden Duguid (Vancouver Highlanders) uncapped
Izzak Kelly (Cottesloe, AU) 4 caps
Josh Larsen (New England Free Jacks) 21 caps
James Stockwood (Pacific Pride) 2 caps

Backrow
Mason Flesch (Chicago Hounds) 8 caps
Ethan Fryer (New England Free Jacks) 1 cap
Matt Klimchuk (Vancouver Highlanders) 1 cap
Matthew Oworu (Canada 7s) 4 caps
Sion Parry (Pontypridd, UK) 4 caps
Lucas Rumball (capt., Chicago Hounds) 53 caps

Scrumhalf
Brock Gallagher (Dallas Jackals) 2 caps
Jason Higgins (Chicago Hounds) 15 caps
Jesse Kilgour (Pacific Pride) uncapped

Flyhalf
Mark Balaski (Pacific Pride) 1 cap
Gradyn Bowd (Old Glory DC) 10 caps
Peter Nelson (Dungannon, UK) 21 caps

Centres
Spencer Jones (Utah Warriors) 8 caps
Ben LeSage (New England Free Jacks) 32 caps
Takoda McMullin (Vancouver Highlanders) 2 caps
Talon McMullin (Vancouver Highlanders) 2 caps

Outside Backs
Nic Benn (Dallas Jackals) 2 caps
Cooper Coats (Canada 7s) 12 caps
Andrew Coe (RFC Los Angeles) 20 caps
Rhys James (Pacific Pride) uncapped
Kainoa Lloyd (Associates, AU) 24 caps
Josiah Morra (Canada 7s) 3 caps

Fiji Rugby Union Men’s XV – PNC 2024

In February 2024, the FRU was seeking to fill its vacant CEO role with Global Elite Sports from New Zealand responsible for undertaking the recruitment process. Fiji also had its membership in the World Rugby Council reinstated in August 2024 before the PNC.

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is thrilled to announce that World Rugby has reinstated its membership in the World Rugby Council with immediate effect.

Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Haereiti Hetet, Livai Natave, Samuela Tawake, Jone Koroiduadua, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Tevita Ikanivere (captain), Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Albert Tuisue, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata.

Backs: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Mosese Sorovi, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Masi, Apisalome Vota, Epeli Momo, Adrea Cocagi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu, Ilaisa Droasese.

How To Watch The Pacific Nations Cup 2024

The Pacific Nations Cup 2024 will be available to watch everywhere either through a local broadcast partner or on RugbyPass TV.

World Rugby Tournament News

• Eddie Jones Commits To Developing Youth In New Era of Brave Blossoms at PNC 2024
• Asahi Super Dry Signs On As Pacific Nations Cup 2024 Title Sponsor.
• Fumi Tanaka – Japanese Coaching Aspirations & His Views On The Development of Japanese Rugby.
• Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualification Explained.