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2026 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup

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2026 Pacific Nations Cup
Tournament details
Host Japan
Dates12–19 September 2026 (7 days)
Teams
Final positions
Champions Japan (4th title)
Runner-up Fiji
Third place Canada
Fourth place United States
Tournament statistics
Matches played4
Tries scored31 (7.75 per match)
Top scorer(s) Sam Greene (28)
Most tries Mason Flesch (3)
← 2025

The 2026 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup[a] was the eighteenth Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) tournament. The tournament featured a condensed version, hosted over two matchdays in Japan between four teams with semi-finals, a third-place game and a final.[2]

Fiji were the defending champions, going into the tournament having won the previous two editions back-to-back (2024, 2025).[3] Japan won the tournament for the fourth time after defeating Fiji 20–15 in the Grand Final.[4] Canada defeated the United States 19–16 for third place.[5]

Background

[edit]

The 2026 edition of the PNC tournament featured a new four-team format with Japan, Fiji, Canada, and the United States.[2] Semi-finals were held in Ōsaka on 12 September, followed by the third-place play-off and final in Tokyo on 19 September.[2] Defending champions Fiji were aiming for a third consecutive title.[2]

The competition formed an important part of preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and aligns with World Rugby's revamped international calendar.[2] Although Samoa and Tonga did not compete in this edition, they instead played in the new Nations Cup in July and continue to receive development support.[2][6]

Bracket

[edit]
 
Semi-finalsFinal
 
      
 
12 September – Higashiōsaka
 
 
 Fiji45
 
19 September – Tokyo
 
 Canada29
 
 Fiji15
 
12 September – Higashiōsaka
 
 Japan20
 
 Japan63
 
 
 United States14
 
Third place play-off
 
 
19 September – Tokyo
 
 
 Canada19
 
 
 United States16

Matches

[edit]

Semi-finals

[edit]
12 September 2026
16:00 JST (UTC+09)
Fiji 45–29 Canada
Try: Salawa 1' c
Lomani 5' c
Armstrong-Ravula 23' m
Ravai 31' c
Ikanivere 46' c
Murray (2) 51' m, 61' c
Con: Armstrong-Ravula (5/7) 2', 6', 32', 47', 62'		ReportTry: Flesch (2) 8' c, 69' c
Parry 35' c
Tremblay 66' m
Con: McMullin (3/4) 8', 36', 70'
Pen: McMullin (1/1) 27'
Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashiōsaka
Referee: Katsuki Furuse (Japan)[7]
FB15Isikeli Rabitu
RW14Joji Nasova
OC13Virimi Vakatawa
IC12Kalaveti Ravouvoudownward-facing red arrow 58'
LW11Manasa Mataeledownward-facing red arrow 62'
FH10Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
SH9Frank Lomanidownward-facing red arrow 68'
N88Isoa Tuwaidownward-facing red arrow 62'
BF7Motikai Murray
OF6Kitione Salawa Jr.
RL5Temo Mayanavanuadownward-facing red arrow 58'
LL4Mesake Vocevoce
TP3Mesake Dogedownward-facing red arrow 68'
HK2Tevita Ikanivere (c)downward-facing red arrow 68'
LP1Peni Ravaidownward-facing red arrow 68'
Substitutions:
HK16Penaia Cakobauupward-facing green arrow 68'
PR17Meli Tuniupward-facing green arrow 68'
PR18Inoke Ravuiwasaupward-facing green arrow 68'
LK19Isoa Nasilasilaupward-facing green arrow 58'
LK20Joseva TamaniRed card 74'upward-facing green arrow 58'
SH21Terio TamaniYellow card 78'upward-facing green arrow 62'
FH22Caleb Muntzupward-facing green arrow 68'
FH23Tuidraki Samusamuvodreupward-facing green arrow 58'
Coach:
Senirusi Seruvakula
FB15Takoda McMullindownward-facing red arrow 9'upward-facing green arrow 15'
RW14Kyle Tremblay
OC13Jacob Ince
IC12Ben LeSagedownward-facing red arrow 47'upward-facing green arrow 58'
LW11Jamie Armstrong
FH10Spencer Jonesdownward-facing red arrow 62'
SH9Jason Higginsdownward-facing red arrow 62'
N88Lucas Rumball (c)
OF7Siôn Parrydownward-facing red arrow 64'
BF6Mason Flesch
RL5Izzak Kellydownward-facing red arrow 56'
LL4Daragh Doyle
TP3Kyle Steevesdownward-facing red arrow 29'
HK2Dewald Kotzedownward-facing red arrow 47'
LP1Sam Millerdownward-facing red arrow 52'
Substitutions:
HK16Austin Creightonupward-facing green arrow 47'
PR17Emerson Priorupward-facing green arrow 52'
PR18Bryce Wordenupward-facing green arrow 29'
LK19Barnaby Waddellupward-facing green arrow 56'
BR20Ethan Fryerupward-facing green arrow 64'
SH21Stephen Webbupward-facing green arrow 62'
FH22Cooper Coatsupward-facing green arrow 9'downward-facing red arrow 15'upward-facing green arrow 62'
CE23Josh McIndoeupward-facing green arrow 47'downward-facing red arrow 58'
Coach:
Steve Meehan

Player of the Match:
Motikai Murray (Fiji)[8]

Assistant referees:[7]
Koki Yamauchi (Japan)
Ibuki Tetsuka (Japan)
Television match official:[7]
Graham Cooper (Australia)

Notes:

12 September 2026
19:05 JST (UTC+09)
Japan 63–14 United States
Try: Hirose [ja] 2' c
Stolberg 5' c
Riley (2) 9' c, 42' c
Harada 16' c
Otsuka [ja] 41' c
Cornelsen 54' c
Ha'angana 61' c
Greene 64' c
Con: Greene (9/9) 3', 5', 9', 17', 42', 43', 55', 61', 65'		ReportTry: Klein 24' c
Lopeti 34' c
Con: Hilsenbeck (2/2) 25', 35'
Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashiōsaka
Attendance: 13,559[10]
Referee: Jordan Way (Australia)[7]
FB15Sam Greene
RW14Inoke Burua
OC13Dylan Riley
IC12Yuya Hirose [ja]downward-facing red arrow 57'
LW11Kazuma Uedadownward-facing red arrow 58'
FH10Ryūnosuke Itō
SH9Naoto Saitō (c)downward-facing red arrow 57'
N88Jack CornelsenYellow card 76'
BF7Kanji Shimokawa
OF6Ben Gunterdownward-facing red arrow 57'
RL5Harry Hockings
LL4Michael Stolbergdownward-facing red arrow 45'
TP3Shuhei Takeuchi [ja]downward-facing red arrow 46'
HK2Mamoru Haradadownward-facing red arrow 65'
LP1Sojiro Otsuka [ja]downward-facing red arrow 46'
Substitutions:
HK16Kenji Sato [ja]upward-facing green arrow 65'
PR17Sena Kimura [ja]upward-facing green arrow 46'
PR18Takumi Inaba [ja]upward-facing green arrow 46'
BR19Esei Ha'anganaupward-facing green arrow 57'
BR20Tiennan Costleyupward-facing green arrow 58'
BR21Faulua Makisiupward-facing green arrow 45'
SH22Shinobu Fujiwara [ja]upward-facing green arrow 57'
FH23Samisoni Tua [ja]upward-facing green arrow 57'
Coach:
Eddie Jones
FB15Mitch Wilson
RW14Mark O'Keeffedownward-facing red arrow 61'
OC13Tavite Lopeti
IC12Dominic Besag
LW11Noah Brown
FH10Christopher Hilsenbeckdownward-facing red arrow 44'
SH9Ruben de Haasdownward-facing red arrow 69'
N88Makeen Alikhan
OF7Paddy Ryan
BF6Marno Redelinghuysdownward-facing red arrow 61'
RL5Nathan Den Hoedtdownward-facing red arrow 46'
LL4Jason Damm (c)Yellow card 51'
TP3Tonga Kofedownward-facing red arrow 44'upward-facing green arrow 69'
HK2Shilo Kleindownward-facing red arrow 44'
LP1Payton Taleadownward-facing red arrow 44'
Substitutions:
HK16Joe Taufeteʻeupward-facing green arrow 44'
PR17Fakaʻosi Pifeletiupward-facing green arrow 44'
PR18Alex Maughanupward-facing green arrow 44'downward-facing red arrow 69'
LK19Sam Gollaupward-facing green arrow 46'
BR20Benjamín Bonassoupward-facing green arrow 61'
SH21Michael Baskaupward-facing green arrow 69'
FH22Luke Cartyupward-facing green arrow 44'
WG23Julian Robertsupward-facing green arrow 61'
Coach:
Scott Lawrence

Player of the Match:
Mamoru Harada (Japan)[8]

Assistant referees:[7]
Damon Murphy (Australia)
Morgan White (Hong Kong China)
Television match official:[7]
Graham Cooper (Australia)

Notes:

  • Japan's 63 points was their record score against the United States, surpassing their previous best of 47 points scored in 1999 and 2025, respectively.[11]
  • The 49-point margin was the largest victory Japan had achieved against the United States, surpassing the 26-point record they set in 2025.[11]
  • Japan equaled their longest win-streak against the United States (5), dating back to their 28–18 win in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.[12]

Third place play-off

[edit]
19 September 2026
16:00 JST (UTC+09)
Canada 19–16 United States
Try: LeSage 10' c
Flesch 17' m
Kilgour 59' c
Con: McMullin (2/3) 11', 60'		ReportTry: Pifeleti 22' c
Con: Carty (1/1) 23'
Pen: Carty (3/4) 39', 43', 72'
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Referee: Katsuki Furuse (Japan)[7]
FB15Takoda McMullin
RW14Kyle Tremblay
OC13Jacob Ince
IC12Ben LeSage
LW11Jamie Armstrongdownward-facing red arrow 21'
FH10Cooper Coats
SH9Jesse Kilgourdownward-facing red arrow 69'
N88Lucas Rumball (c)
OF7Ethan Fryerdownward-facing red arrow 75'
BF6Mason Flesch
RL5Izzak Kellydownward-facing red arrow 54'
LL4Daragh Doyle
TP3Kyle Steevesdownward-facing red arrow 77'
HK2Foster DeWittdownward-facing red arrow 51'
LP1Sam Millerdownward-facing red arrow 52'
Substitutions:
HK16Dewald Kotzeupward-facing green arrow 51'
PR17Emerson Priorupward-facing green arrow 52'
PR18Bryce Wordenupward-facing green arrow 77'
LK19Barnaby Waddellupward-facing green arrow 54'
BR20Cody Nhanalaupward-facing green arrow 75'
SH21Stephen Webbupward-facing green arrow 69'
CE22Spencer Jones
FH23Liam Jamesupward-facing green arrow 21'
Coach:
Steve Meehan
FB15 Mitch Wilson
RW14 Julian Roberts
OC13Dominic Besag
IC12Cassh Maluiadownward-facing red arrow 55'
LW11 Noah Brown
FH10Luke Carty
SH9Ruben de Haas
N88Makeen Alikhan
OF7Lance Williamsdownward-facing red arrow 35'
BF6Marno Redelinghuys
RL5Nathan Den Hoedtdownward-facing red arrow 61'
LL4Jason Damm (c)
TP3Tonga Kofedownward-facing red arrow 46'
HK2Shilo Kleindownward-facing red arrow 51'upward-facing green arrow 79'
LP1Fakaʻosi Pifeletidownward-facing red arrow 46'
Substitutions:
HK16Joe Taufeteʻeupward-facing green arrow 51'downward-facing red arrow 79'
PR17Payton Taleaupward-facing green arrow 46'
PR18Mason Pedersenupward-facing green arrow 46'
LK19Sam Gollaupward-facing green arrow 61'
BR20Benjamín Bonassoupward-facing green arrow 35'
SH21Michael Baska
FH22Christopher Hilsenbeck
CE23Tavite Lopetiupward-facing green arrow 55'
Coach:
Scott Lawrence

Player of the Match:
Mason Flesch (Canada)[13]

Assistant referees:
Koki Yamauchi (Japan)
Ibuki Tetsuka (Japan)
Television match official:[7]
Matt Rodden (Hong Kong China)

Notes:

Grand Final

[edit]
19 September 2026
19:05 JST (UTC+09)
Fiji 15–20 Japan
Try: Vakatawa 11' c
Ikanivere 26' m
Con: Muntz (1/2) 11'
Pen: Armstrong-Ravula (1/1) 65'		ReportTry: Harada 22' c
Gunter 59' m
Tua 72' m
Con: Greene (1/2) 23'
Pen: Greene (1/2) 7'
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Attendance: 17,421[14]
Referee: Jordan Way (Australia)[7]
FB15Isaiah Armstrong-Ravuladownward-facing red arrow 75'
RW14Joji Nasova
OC13Virimi Vakatawa
IC12Tuidraki Samusamuvodredownward-facing red arrow 60'
LW11Isaac Ratuimatavuki-Kneepkens
FH10Caleb Muntz
SH9Frank Lomanidownward-facing red arrow 73'
N88Elia Canakaivata
BF7Motikai Murray
OF6Kitione Salawa Jr.
RL5Temo Mayanavanuadownward-facing red arrow 22'
LL4Mesake Vocevoce
TP3Mesake DogeYellow card 19'downward-facing red arrow 51'
HK2Tevita Ikanivere (c)
LP1Peni Ravaidownward-facing red arrow 60'
Substitutions:
HK16Kavaia Tagivetaua
PR17Vilikesa Nairauupward-facing green arrow 60'
PR18Samu Tawakeupward-facing green arrow 51'
BR19Isoa Tuwaiupward-facing green arrow 22'
HK20Penaia Cakobau
SH21Sam Wyeupward-facing green arrow 73'
FB22Seta Tamanivaluupward-facing green arrow 75'
WG23Isikeli Rabituupward-facing green arrow 60'
Coach:
Senirusi Seruvakula
FB15Sam Greenedownward-facing red arrow 68'
RW14Inoke Burua
OC13Dylan Riley
IC12Yuya Hirose [ja]downward-facing red arrow 32'
LW11Tomoki Osadadownward-facing red arrow 66'
FH10Ryūnosuke Itō
SH9Naoto Saitō (c)downward-facing red arrow 57'
N88Faulua Makisi
BF7Kanji Shimokawa
OF6Ben Gunter
RL5Harry Hockingsdownward-facing red arrow 49'
LL4Jack Cornelsen
TP3Shuhei Takeuchi [ja]downward-facing red arrow 71'
HK2Mamoru Haradadownward-facing red arrow 71'
LP1Sojiro Otsuka [ja]downward-facing red arrow 66'
Substitutions:
HK16Kenji Sato [ja]upward-facing green arrow 71'
PR17Sena Kimura [ja]upward-facing green arrow 66'
PR18Takumi Inaba [ja]upward-facing green arrow 71'
LK19Michael Stolbergupward-facing green arrow 49'
BR20Esei Ha'anganaupward-facing green arrow 68'
BR21Tiennan Costleyupward-facing green arrow 66'
SH22Shinobu Fujiwara [ja]upward-facing green arrow 57'
FH23Samisoni Tua [ja]upward-facing green arrow 32'
Coach:
Eddie Jones

Player of the Match:
Ben Gunter (Japan)[13]

Assistant referees:
Damon Murphy (Australia)
Morgan White (Hong Kong China)
Television match official:[7]
Matt Rodden (Hong Kong China)

Notes:

Player statistics

[edit]

Participants

[edit]
Team Coach Captain World Rugby Ranking
Start[b] End[c]
 Canada Steve Meehan Lucas Rumball 24th 22nd
 Fiji Senirusi Seruvakula Tevita Ikanivere 9th 10th
 Japan Eddie Jones Naoto Saitō 12th 9th
 United States Scott Lawrence Jason Damm 14th 15th

Squads

[edit]

Caps and ages are as of the first match of the tournament (12 September 2026).

Canada

[edit]

On 25 August 2026, Canada announced a 32-player squad for their September tour of Japan, including an one-off test match against Japan and their Pacific Nations Cup campaign.[17][18]

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Austin Creighton Hooker (2000-06-06)6 June 2000 (aged 26) 3 Brazil Cobras Brasil Rugby
Foster DeWitt Hooker (1996-05-26)26 May 1996 (aged 30) 8 Uruguay Peñarol
Dewald Kotze Hooker (1997-06-14)14 June 1997 (aged 29) 16 England Rotherham Titans
Sam Miller Prop (2002-06-05)5 June 2002 (aged 24) 8 Portugal Benfica
Emerson Prior Prop (1998-06-04)4 June 1998 (aged 28) 9 Canada Westshore
Kyle Steeves Prop (2000-01-31)31 January 2000 (aged 26) 9 Australia Hunter Wildfires
Sam Turner Prop (1998-03-31)31 March 1998 (aged 28) 0 England Clifton Rugby
Bryce Worden Prop (1995-07-18)18 July 1995 (aged 31) 1 Australia West Harbour
Callum Botchar Lock (1997-10-03)3 October 1997 (aged 28) 10 Canada James Bay
Ryan Cozens Lock (2004-09-07)7 September 2004 (aged 22) 0 England Reading Rams
Daragh Doyle Lock (2005-09-21)21 September 2005 (aged 20) 3 Ireland Clontarf
Izzak Kelly Lock (2000-04-09)9 April 2000 (aged 26) 17 Portugal Benfica
Barnaby Waddell Lock (2001-12-19)19 December 2001 (aged 24) 3 England Camborne
Mason Flesch Back row (1999-11-18)18 November 1999 (aged 26) 24 United States Chicago Hounds
Ethan Fryer Back row (2002-05-27)27 May 2002 (aged 24) 5 Uruguay Peñarol
Cody Nhanala Back row (2001-10-30)30 October 2001 (aged 24) 3 Canada UBC Thunderbirds
Sion Parry Back row (1998-10-29)29 October 1998 (aged 27) 20 Wales Ebbw Vale
Lucas Rumball Back row (1995-08-02)2 August 1995 (aged 31) 68 United States Chicago Hounds
Jason Higgins Scrum-half (1995-03-28)28 March 1995 (aged 31) 31 Ireland Cork Constitution
Jesse Kilgour Scrum-half (2004-12-17)17 December 2004 (aged 21) 2 Canada Aurora Barbarians
Stephen Webb Scrum-half (2005-12-15)15 December 2005 (aged 20) 3 Canada UBC Thunderbirds
Cooper Coats Fly-half (1996-10-06)6 October 1996 (aged 29) 24 Canada UVIC Vikes
Liam James Fly-half (1996-09-21)21 September 1996 (aged 29) 3 Canada UBC Old Boys Ravens
Jacob Ince Centre (2002-09-14)14 September 2002 (aged 23) 2 New Zealand Taranaki
Spencer Jones Centre (1997-07-17)17 July 1997 (aged 29) 18 New Zealand Hamilton Old Boys
Ben LeSage Centre (1995-11-24)24 November 1995 (aged 30) 40 United States New England Free Jacks
Josh McIndoe Centre (2005-08-04)4 August 2005 (aged 21) 2 Canada UVIC Vikes
Takoda McMullin Wing (2002-05-01)1 May 2002 (aged 24) 8 Canada Bayside Sharks
Isaac Olson Wing (2000-07-01)1 July 2000 (aged 26) 8 Canada Castaway Wanderers
Kyle Tremblay Wing (1999-08-27)27 August 1999 (aged 27) 8 Canada Bayside Sharks
Jamie Armstrong Fullback (2001-12-16)16 December 2001 (aged 24) 1 Canada Ottawa Irish
Jack Gore Fullback (2007-11-15)15 November 2007 (aged 18) 0 Canada Laurier Golden Hawks

Fiji

[edit]

Fiji announced a 31-man squad in on 25 August 2026 ahead of the tournament.[19][20]

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Penaia Cakobau Hooker (1993-12-28)28 December 1993 (aged 32) 0 Fiji Fijian Drua
Tevita Ikanivere Hooker (1999-09-06)6 September 1999 (aged 27) 34 Japan Tochigi Honda Heat
Kavaia Tagivetaua Hooker (2003-06-05)5 June 2003 (aged 23) 1 Fiji Fijian Drua
Mesake Doge Prop (1993-04-01)1 April 1993 (aged 33) 28 Fiji Fijian Drua
Vilikesa Nairau Prop (2002-03-06)6 March 2002 (aged 24) 0 England Saracens
Livai Natave Prop (1999-04-20)20 April 1999 (aged 27) 9 England Worcester Warriors
Peni Ravai Prop (1990-06-16)16 June 1990 (aged 36) 55 Fiji Fijian Drua
Inoke Ravuiwasa Prop (1996-09-04)4 September 1996 (aged 30) 0 Fiji Suva
Samu Tawake Prop (1996-09-11)11 September 1996 (aged 30) 16 Fiji Fijian Drua
Meli Tuni Prop (2000-06-29)29 June 2000 (aged 26) 3 Fiji Fijian Drua
Temo Mayanavanua Lock (1997-11-09)9 November 1997 (aged 28) 36 Fiji Fijian Drua
Isoa Nasilasila Lock (1999-09-13)13 September 1999 (aged 26) 32 Japan JR East Green Warriors Tokatsu
Joseva Tamani Lock (1997-04-02)2 April 1997 (aged 29) 2 Fiji Fijian Drua
Mesake Vocevoce Lock (2003-05-16)16 May 2003 (aged 23) 18 Fiji Fijian Drua
Elia Canakaivata Back row (1996-07-12)12 July 1996 (aged 30) 22 England Sale Sharks
Motikai Murray Back row (2003-08-08)8 August 2003 (aged 23) 5 Fiji Fijian Drua
Kitione Salawa Jr. Back row (2001-05-23)23 May 2001 (aged 25) 14 Fiji Fijian Drua
Isoa Tuwai Back row (2002-06-04)4 June 2002 (aged 24) 0 Fiji Fijian Drua
Philip Baselala Scrum-half (2004-09-14)14 September 2004 (aged 21) 4 Fiji Fijian Drua
Frank Lomani Scrum-half (1996-04-18)18 April 1996 (aged 30) 46 Fiji Fijian Drua
Terio Tamani Scrum-half (1994-07-06)6 July 1994 (aged 32) 0 Fiji Fiji Sevens
Sam Wye Scrum-half (2000-11-11)11 November 2000 (aged 25) 7 New Zealand North Harbour
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula Fly-half (2004-01-07)7 January 2004 (aged 22) 20 Fiji Fijian Drua
Caleb Muntz Fly-half (1999-10-30)30 October 1999 (aged 26) 23 France Provence
Maleli Nauvasi Centre (2006-12-03)3 December 2006 (aged 19) 0 Fiji Fijian Drua
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre Centre (1998-02-16)16 February 1998 (aged 28) 2 Fiji Fijian Drua
Virimi Vakatawa Centre (1992-05-01)1 May 1992 (aged 34) 1 Fiji Fijian Drua
Kemu Valetini Centre (1994-08-26)26 August 1994 (aged 32) 5 Fiji Fijian Drua
Manasa Mataele Wing (1996-11-27)27 November 1996 (aged 29) 3 Fiji Fijian Drua
Joji Nasova Wing (2000-06-09)9 June 2000 (aged 26) 3 Fiji Fijian Drua
Isaac Ratuimatavuki-Kneepkens Wing (1999-07-19)19 July 1999 (aged 27) 0 Australia Southern Districts
Kalaveti Ravouvou Wing (1998-06-06)6 June 1998 (aged 28) 17 England Bristol Bears
Isikeli Rabitu Fullback (2005-01-22)22 January 2005 (aged 21) 1 Fiji Fijian Drua

Japan

[edit]

On 9 September, Japan named a 30-player squad ahead of their World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.[21]

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Mamoru Harada Hooker (1999-04-15)15 April 1999 (aged 27) 17 Japan Toshiba Brave Lupus
Kenji Sato Hooker (2003-01-04)4 January 2003 (aged 23) 11 Japan Saitama Wild Knights
Sho Furuhata Prop (1996-12-10)10 December 1996 (aged 29) 1 Japan Saitama Wild Knights
Kanato Hirano Prop (2000-02-08)8 February 2000 (aged 26) 0 Japan Tochigi Honda Heat
Takumi Inaba Prop (2002-07-24)24 July 2002 (aged 24) 1 Japan Shizuoka Blue Revs
Sena Kimura Prop (1999-06-24)24 June 1999 (aged 27) 3 Japan Tochigi Honda Heat
Sojiro Otsuka Prop (2004-07-05)5 July 2004 (aged 22) 6 Japan Toshiba Brave Lupus
Shuhei Takeuchi Prop (1997-12-09)9 December 1997 (aged 28) 29 Japan Tokyo Sungoliath
Ruan Botha Lock (1992-01-10)10 January 1992 (aged 34) 0 Japan Kubota Spears
Jack Cornelsen Lock (1994-10-13)13 October 1994 (aged 31) 35 Japan Saitama Wild Knights
Harry Hockings Lock (1998-07-28)28 July 1998 (aged 28) 8 Japan Tokyo Sungoliath
Michael Stolberg Lock (1992-03-27)27 March 1992 (aged 34) 4 Japan Toshiba Brave Lupus
Shin Takeuchi Lock (2000-08-07)7 August 2000 (aged 26) 0 Japan Urayasu D-Rocks
Tiennan Costley Back row (2000-06-14)14 June 2000 (aged 26) 17 Japan Kobe Steelers
Ben Gunter Back row (1997-10-24)24 October 1997 (aged 28) 23 Japan Saitama Wild Knights
Esei Ha'angana Back row (1999-04-21)21 April 1999 (aged 27) 2 Japan Urayasu D-Rocks
Faulua Makisi Back row (1997-02-20)20 February 1997 (aged 29) 26 Japan Kubota Spears
Kanji Shimokawa Back row (1999-01-17)17 January 1999 (aged 27) 27 Japan Tokyo Sungoliath
Shinobu Fujiwara Scrum-half (1999-02-08)8 February 1999 (aged 27) 19 Japan Kubota Spears
Naoto Saitō Scrum-half (1997-08-26)26 August 1997 (aged 29) 34 Japan Tokyo Sungoliath
Ryūnosuke Itō Fly-half (2004-11-10)10 November 2004 (aged 21) 6 Japan Meiji University
Samisoni Tua Fly-half (1995-05-24)24 May 1995 (aged 31) 6 Japan Urayasu D-Rocks
Yuya Hirose Centre (2001-04-07)7 April 2001 (aged 25) 8 Japan Kubota Spears
Tomoki Osada Centre (1999-11-25)25 November 1999 (aged 26) 26 Japan Saitama Wild Knights
Dylan Riley Centre (1997-05-02)2 May 1997 (aged 29) 44 Japan Saitama Wild Knights
Inoke Burua Wing (1999-05-30)30 May 1999 (aged 27) 1 Japan Kobe Steelers
Haruto Kida Wing (1999-04-09)9 April 1999 (aged 27) 4 Japan Kubota Spears
Kazuma Ueda Wing (2002-12-04)4 December 2002 (aged 23) 7 Japan Kobe Steelers
Sam Greene Fullback (1994-08-16)16 August 1994 (aged 32) 8 Japan JR East Green Warriors Tokatsu
Takuro Matsunaga Fullback (1998-08-13)13 August 1998 (aged 28) 11 Japan Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo

United States

[edit]

On 31 August 2026, a 31-man squad was announced for the Pacific Nations Cup.[22]

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Shilo Klein Hooker (1999-05-04)4 May 1999 (aged 27) 9 Unattached
Campbell Robb Hooker (2002-09-10)10 September 2002 (aged 24) 0 Unattached
Joe Taufeteʻe Hooker (1992-10-04)4 October 1992 (aged 33) 36 United States California Legion
Tonga Kofe Prop (1996-02-02)2 February 1996 (aged 30) 9 United States California Legion
Alex Maughan Prop (1995-04-04)4 April 1995 (aged 31) 9 Unattached
Ma'ake Muti Prop (1997-08-01)1 August 1997 (aged 29) 0 United States California Legion
Mason Pedersen Prop (1996-09-18)18 September 1996 (aged 29) 2 United States Seattle Seawolves
Fakaʻosi Pifeleti Prop (1996-08-19)19 August 1996 (aged 30) 1 United States Chicago Hounds
Payton Telea-Ilalio Prop (1998-08-17)17 August 1998 (aged 28) 7 Unattached
Jason Damm (c) Lock (1995-01-26)26 January 1995 (aged 31) 18 United States California Legion
Nathan Den Hoedt Lock (1997-01-06)6 January 1997 (aged 29) 3 United States Chicago Hounds
Sam Golla Lock (1999-05-07)7 May 1999 (aged 27) 8 Unattached
Brandon Harvey Lock (2002-06-13)13 June 2002 (aged 24) 4 United States Chicago Hounds
Makeen Alikhan Back row (2001-10-10)10 October 2001 (aged 24) 8 Unattached
Benjamín Bonasso Back row (1997-06-01)1 June 1997 (aged 29) 13 United States Old Glory DC
Marno Redelinghuys Back row (1993-01-06)6 January 1993 (aged 33) 9 United States Seattle Seawolves
Paddy Ryan Back row (1998-10-13)13 October 1998 (aged 27) 21 United States Seattle Seawolves
Lance Williams Back row (1993-02-19)19 February 1993 (aged 33) 1 United States California Legion
Michael Baska Scrum-half (1994-11-17)17 November 1994 (aged 31) 6 United States Chicago Hounds
Ruben de Haas Scrum-half (1998-10-09)9 October 1998 (aged 27) 47 United States Chicago Hounds
Ethan McVeigh Scrum-half (1999-12-14)14 December 1999 (aged 26) 9 United States New England Free Jacks
Luke Carty Fly-half (1997-09-24)24 September 1997 (aged 28) 27 Unattached
Davy Cotzer Fly-half (1999-02-05)5 February 1999 (aged 27) 0 United States Seattle Seawolves
Christopher Hilsenbeck Fly-half (1992-01-10)10 January 1992 (aged 34) 8 United States Chicago Hounds
Dominic Besag Centre (2004-08-06)6 August 2004 (aged 22) 21 South Africa Sharks
Tavite Lopeti Centre (1998-11-20)20 November 1998 (aged 27) 29 United States Chicago Hounds
Cassh Maluia Centre (1998-10-03)3 October 1998 (aged 27) 0 United States California Legion
Tom Pittman Centre (1999-04-08)8 April 1999 (aged 27) 3 Unattached
Noah Brown Wing (2001-01-10)10 January 2001 (aged 25) 1 United States Chicago Hounds
Mark O'Keeffe Wing (1993-09-13)13 September 1993 (aged 32) 5 United States Chicago Hounds
Julian Roberts Wing (2000-05-11)11 May 2000 (aged 26) 3 Unattached
Mitch Wilson Fullback (1996-04-15)15 April 1996 (aged 30) 22 United States New England Free Jacks

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ↑ Known as the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup for sponsorship reasons.[1][2]
  2. ↑ As of 7 September 2026
  3. ↑ As of 21 September 2026

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "Asahi Super Dry becomes title sponsor of Pacific Nations Cup". world.rugby. World Rugby. 16 August 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Dates set for Pacific Nations Cup 2026 as Asahi Super Dry confirmed as Title Partner". World Rugby. 4 July 2026. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
  3. ↑ Tunney, Jack (19 September 2026). "Eddie Jones' Japan secure historic Pacific Nations Cup final win over Fiji". Planet Rugby. Retrieved 19 September 2026.
  4. ↑ Morton, Finn (19 September 2026). "Japan end Fiji's Pacific Nations Cup reign with hard-earned win in Tokyo". RugbyPass. Retrieved 19 September 2026.
  5. ↑ Morton, Finn (19 September 2026). "Canada hold on for tense win over USA Eagles in nail-biting PNC clash". RugbyPass. Retrieved 19 September 2026.
  6. ↑ "Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 To Feature Fewer Teams – Hosted in Japan". Rugby Asia 24/7. 4 July 2026. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Appointments | Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026". world.rugby. World Rugby. Retrieved 25 August 2026.
  8. 1 2 "Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026: Fiji and Japan seal final spots". world.rugby. World Rugby. 12 September 2026. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  9. ↑ "Head to Head: Fiji–Canada". rugbydatabase.com.au. Rugby Database. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  10. ↑ "アサヒスーパードライ パシフィックネーションズカップ2026 　準決勝 アメリカ代表戦" [Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 Semifinal: Match against the USA]. rugby-japan.jp (in Japanese). Japan Rugby Football Union. 12 September 2026. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  11. 1 2 "Head to Head: Japan–United States | Rugby Database". rugbydatabase.co.uk. Rugby Database. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  12. ↑ "Pacific Nations Cup 2026 – Japan vs USA – ARN Guide". Americas Rugby News. 11 September 2026. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  13. 1 2 "Japan crowned Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 champions after tight-win over Fiji". world.rugby. World Rugby. 19 September 2026. Retrieved 19 September 2026.
  14. ↑ "アサヒスーパードライ パシフィックネーションズカップ2026 　決勝 フィジー代表戦" [Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 Final: Match against Fiji]. rugby-japan.jp (in Japanese). Japan Rugby Football Union. 19 September 2026. Retrieved 19 September 2026.
  15. ↑ "Head to Head: Fiji–Japan". rugbydatabase.com.au. Rugby Database.
  16. ↑ "Pacific Nations Cup 2026 | Stats". all.rugby. All Rugby. Retrieved 19 September 2026.
  17. ↑ "Canada's Men's Rugby Team 2026 September Tour Squad Announced". rugby.ca. Rugby Canada. 25 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  18. ↑ Newcombe, Jon (26 August 2026). "Canada's Pacific Nations Cup squad missing experienced French-based trio". RugbyPass. Retrieved 29 August 2026.
  19. ↑ Stark, Mataiasi (24 August 2026). "Seven new caps named in Flying Fijians PNC squad". Fijian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 25 August 2026.
  20. ↑ Morton, Finn (25 August 2026). "Flying Fijians select SVNS Dream Team star in Pacific Nations Cup squad". RugbyPass. Retrieved 25 August 2026.
  21. ↑ アサヒスーパードライ パシフィックネーションズカップ2026 大会登録メンバーのお知らせ
  22. ↑ Burke, Jenni (31 August 2026). "USA Men's Eagles travel to Japan for Pacific Nations Cup 2026". eagles.rugby. USA Rugby.
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