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Canada and the USA will make a surprise return to the Pacific Nations Cup in 2019. Fiji Rugby CEO John O’Connor confirmed the development at a meeting in Nadi on Saturday.
While dates and fixtures have yet to be confirmed, it’s expected that the 2019 PNC will follow a similar format to that of 2015, the last time the two North American sides competed. Fiji, Japan, Tonga, and Samoa are set to be included with each team to play three pool games beginning in July.
According to O’Connor, Fiji will play the USA, Canada, and Japan. This suggests that Canada and the USA will play against a pool consisting of Pacific Island nations Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.
It’s welcome news for the North Americans, who will use the PNC as preparation for the World Cup and a last-gasp selection opportunity for potential tourists. Canada finished 6th in the 2015 tournament, with the USA just ahead in 5th.
All six teams will be competing at the World Cup, with Canada securing their spot in the Repechage tournament. Their World Rugby Rankings at the start of the 2015 PNC were Samoa (9), Fiji (11), Tonga (12), Japan (13), USA (16), and Canada (17). The current rankings are Fiji (8), Japan (11), USA (12), Tonga (14), Samoa (16), and Canada (20).
