A match that will be of interest to many Tier 1 fans will see Fiji opening their Pacific Nations Cup defense against Japan. Not only will it be the first test played at the newly constructed Unosumai Stadium in Kamaishi, it features the two highest-ranked teams in the competition with …
Read More »PNC Preview – Samoa vs Tonga
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 …
Read More »2019 Pacific Nations Cup Preview
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 …
Read More »Yato returns for Fiji trip to Japan
Peceli Yato will make his return for Fiji against Japan in the opening weekend of the Pacific Nations Cup. The Clermont Auvergne star missed out on the matches against the New Zealand Māori but is ready to take his place in an intimidating loose forward group set to be unleashed …
Read More »Tonga call up Hingano for PNC
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 …
Read More »Canada cuts squad to 31 for Pacific Nations Cup
Canada are one step closer to confirming their World Cup squad after announcing a traveling group of 31 for the Pacific Nations Cup. A dozen players are now on the outside looking in, though Head Coach Kingsley Jones says there is still time to make changes. “The PNC’s are a …
Read More »Japan trims squad for Pacific Nations Cup
Japan coach Jamie Joseph has trimmed his Japan squad to 31 players for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. While not the final cut for the World Cup, it casts doubt on the hopes of those left out though Joseph has clarified that some players have been rested. Two who are …
Read More »Boris Stankovich to coach Canadian scrum
Leicester Tigers scrum coach and former prop Boris Stankovich has been recruited to help the Canadian set piece for the Pacific Nations Cup and Rugby World Cup. The New Zealander takes over the role previously occupied by former Italian international Massimo Cuttitta, who worked with the side during the World …
Read More »Tonga name squad for Pacific Nations Cup
Tonga have named a 31-man squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. The team is comprised largely of those expected to be part of the final selection of the Rugby World Cup, though there are four uncapped players and some notable absentees. Leicester Tigers pair Sione Kalamafoni and Telusa Veainu …
Read More »Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium Ready For RWC 2019
The Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium is ready for RWC 2019. Located in Sendai in Japan’s northeast the venue will play host to two pool matches at this year’s Rugby World Cup tournament. With a seating capacity of 16,187 spectators the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium is the only newly constructed RWC …
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