Pacific Nations Cup 2026/27

The Pacific Nations Cup is an international rugby union tournament that operates as a developmental platform for Tier 2 nations. Founded in 2006 by the International Rugby Board, which is now World Rugby, the competition was established as part of a strategic investment to strengthen these nations. It sits in the second tier of the international rugby pyramid, distinct from the top-flight Six Nations and The Rugby Championship. Participation is by invitation, with no promotion or relegation involved.

The current format features six permanent teams divided into two pools. Pool A consists of Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, while Pool B includes Canada, Japan, and the USA. Teams play a round-robin pool stage, followed by semi-finals and finals hosted by Japan or the USA. This structure provides high-level test matches and serves as a qualification pathway for the Rugby World Cup. For instance, the 2025 edition qualified teams for the 2027 World Cup.

Fiji is the most successful team in the competition’s history, winning seven titles. The tournament has undergone several reforms over the years, including name changes from the "IRB Pacific 5 Nations" to the "IRB Pacific Nations Cup" and finally the "World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup." It has also featured guest teams like Australia A and New Zealand Māori. The current title sponsor is Asahi Super Dry, branding it the "Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup." The competition focuses specifically on Pacific Island and North Asian/North American development teams, setting it apart from domestic leagues and other international tournaments.