U.S.A. plays host to Pacific Nations Cup finals, eyeing 2027 Rugby World Cup, hoping for strong showing.
Getting Ready for the Rugby Showdown in 2025!
Gear up, folks! The United States is all set to host the thrilling knockout rounds of the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup tournament, where three teams will secure a spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
This electrifying event is scheduled for August and September next year. The lineup includes rugby powerhouses like Japan, Tonga, the defending champion Fiji, Samoa, Canada, and our very own United States.
The semi-finals will take place on September 14 in the bustling city of Denver, with the grand finale scheduled six days later in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The anticipation is high as the USA prepares to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup and the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup. To add more excitement, a pool play match between USA and Japan will be held at Sacramento on September 6.
Bill Goren, CEO of USA Rugby, shared his excitement, saying, "With Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033 fast approaching, events like the Pacific Nations Cup play a significant role in expanding the American rugby fan base, forging partnerships, and raising the sport's profile."
The men's Eagles aim high as they strive for Rugby World Cup qualification in front of their home crowd.
Teams are divided into Pool A, featuring Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, and Pool B, consisting of Canada, Japan, and the USA. Each nation will enjoy at least one home match and a minimum of three matches overall.
Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair, highlighted the event's importance, stating, "The Pacific Nations Cup offers a model that supports the long-term health of our sport, by balancing high-performance standards with financial, environmental, and logistical considerations."
While Fiji and Japan have already secured a spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the remaining three top-performing teams from the Pacific Nations Cup will earn direct qualification. This group includes Canada, Samoa, Tonga, and the United States. The team finishing at the bottom will have another chance to reach the World Cup via a South America-Pacific playoff.
In the lead-up to the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup, the United States is preparing to host matches against international teams. Japan, one of the participating nations, will face the U.S. in a crucial pool play match on September 6. This event, serving as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, also promotes the growth of the sport with the 2031 and 2033 Men's and Women's Rugby World Cups on the horizon.
