Tonga

After upsetting pre-tournament favorites Fiji in Kamaishi, Japan will look to take another step towards the Pacific Nations Cup title when they host Tonga in Osaka on Saturday. Matches between the two sides have been traditionally very competitive but the Brave Blossoms were comprehensive winners in their neutral-venue clash at …

The New England Free Jacks have released a preliminary roster of 33 players for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. Among the names are ten players new to the expansion side based in Boston who did not appear during the spring exhibition campaign. At least two further additions currently attached …

The opening round of the Pacific Nations Cup left plenty to talk about. From the horrendous conditions at Apia Park, the wonderful new venue at Kamaishi, to the one-sided victory of the Eagles over Canada. There were new players to assess, a record-setting old-timer, and one particularly notable injury concern. …

Following the completion of international competition this weekend the Americas Rankings have been updated for July 28 2019. They take into consideration results of capped test matches involving countries from the Americas. Australia’s 16-10 over Argentina represents a gain of 0.23 points for the home side at the expense of …

Samoa recovered from a seven-point halftime deficit to defeat Tonga 25-17 in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup. It was played in deplorable conditions at Apia Park, with standing water and repeat set pieces reducing the field to a bowl of mud and severely limiting attacking rugby. Kicking …

The 2019 Pacific Nations Cup kicks off on Friday evening in North American time with Samoa taking on local rivals Tonga. Both sides have named experimental lineups with their respective coaches taking the opportunity to look at new combinations ahead of the World Cup. Steve Jackson has sprung a surprise …

The 2019 Pacific Nations Cup is set to begin this weekend and for the first time since 2015 – also a World Cup year – there will be North American teams involved. It’s a tournament that many American fans would like to see return to the rotation on a regular …

Los Pumas are a team that captures the imagination of audiences at Rugby World Cups. From one RWC to the next the South Americans have caught the imagination of neutral supporters at venues as well as millions viewing on TV. For RWC 2019 Argentina is the Americas’ participant with the potential …

Tonga have called up uncapped midfielder Mali Hingano for the Pacific Nations Cup following the withdrawal of Tasman’s Fetuli Paea. The 27-year-old Hingano is a native of Australia but qualifies for both Tonga and Samoa on ancestry. He is the only change to the 31-man Ikale Tahi squad. Hingano played …

Up and Under is a weekly feature on Americas Rugby News which reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week.   UP Mexico Women 10s, Men’s u19 Mexico made it a special week as they won the Women’s 10s and Men’s u19 competitions …