The Simon Raiwalui verdict on the reimagined Pacific Nations Cup

The redesigned six-team Pacific Nations Cup has been unveiled, and former Fijian manager Simon Raiwalui has applauded it. Playoffs begin on August 24 and culminate on September 21 in Japan. A minimum of three Tests and one home match will be guaranteed to Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and the USA, which will increase development, exposure, and competition.

To reduce player travel during the pool phase, two regional pools of three have been established. The tournament will feed into the new two-division global calendar competitions that will be introduced in 2026.

The PNC finals will alternately be held in Japan and the USA. The semi-finals are scheduled for September 14–15 in Tokyo, while the first final will take place in Osaka. Raiwalui, who recently led Fiji to their first Rugby World Cup quarterfinal appearance in sixteen years, is eager to watch what happens over the next five weekends.

“The regions that are involved, the Americas, Japan, and Pacific Islands, have been really looking for consistent matches, and what the new PNC gives us is that consistency of matches long term to plan ahead,” stated the manager of player development and high-performance pathways for World Rugby.

“It provides them with a genuine chance to strategize ahead, not only for emerging players but also for the long-term stability that the areas have been seeking.”

During his playing career, the 49-year-old former second rower participated in 49 Test matches: 46 for Fiji and three more for the Pacific Islanders as a united squad that toured in 2006. He realised the potential of the new PNC and went on to coach the Fijians.

“I participated in the prior version. This one is primarily focused on achieving that goal and getting those players back on the pitch for their unions. When it comes to receiving extra matches in the Six Nations/Rugby Championship, there is unquestionably a difference between the top ten.

We are currently receiving regular matches in these places during that time, and they will be focused on that success. I’m eager to observe how it plays out in the first year and what kind of competition it brings.

In order to raise the PNC’s prominence over the long run, Raiwalui also gave his approval to the plan to have the semifinals and championship game in Japan and the USA on alternate years. It’s nice that two sizable markets are being investigated. Japan hosted the World Cup in 2019, which was an amazing experience for the country and a credit to them as hosts.

“And with the new Anthem franchise arriving there (in this year’s MLR), the USA is undoubtedly a sizable market going into 2031 trying to grow the game.” Playing those games, the championship rounds, every other year in those two countries is a fantastic chance.

“Getting those matches is crucial in the long run for everyone; the content is the key.” We are attempting to create opportunities in the large markets where we are playing in the finals.

“It will only assist with increasing the game, more participation, and more matches at home where people are getting their local material, and that has always been an issue in the past. The more content you receive in each country, the better.

“You had your matches in July, maybe one was away, but this just gives you assurance to pan going forward.”

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