(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pacific Nations Cup 2025: Teams Announced Ahead of Tournament Kickoff
The 2025 Pacific Nations Cup is officially underway, with four exciting teams set to battle in the opening round. Defending champions Fiji, who claimed the 2024 crown with a thrilling victory over Japan, will sit out the first round alongside last year’s runners-up. That leaves Canada vs USA and Tonga vs Samoa as the tournament openers.
This year’s competition carries extra weight, as 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification is on the line. With only two pool matches before the finals, every team must perform from the very first whistle.
Canada vs USA
Canada enters the tournament as the lowest-ranked side but gains a boost with the return of captain Tyler Ardron. The USA, led by veteran fly-half AJ MacGinty, field a strong lineup full of young prospects and experienced internationals.
Tonga vs Samoa
The second match of the day promises fireworks as Salesi (Charles) Piutau leads Tonga, backed by powerful forward Ben Tameifuna and rising star Patrick Pellegrini. Samoa, meanwhile, are determined to build on their 2024 campaign and arrive with a strong squad led by AJ Alatimu at fly-half.
Both clashes are expected to be fiercely contested, with Pacific pride and World Cup qualification hopes on the line.
📺 Fans can catch all the action live on official broadcast partners and streaming platforms.
