Denver to Host Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Semi-Finals; High-stakes action with direct qualification path to Men's Rugby World Cup 2027

World Rugby confirms full PNC Schedule, with Denver's DICK'S Sporting Goods Park to host six teams and three matches in one action-packed day

DENVER, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- World Rugby, in partnership with USA Rugby and TEG Rugby Live, has officially announced the full schedule for the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 (PNC), the second edition of the revitalised and expanded competition that is fast becoming a pillar of the international rugby calendar. 

In a major step forward for rugby in North America, the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Finals will be hosted on US soil, with Denver and Salt Lake City set to welcome fans for the knockout rounds of the competition, and Sacramento hosting a pool game between Japan and the USA. This is significant in underscoring USA Rugby's growing role in the global game and its lead-up to hosting the Men's and Women's Rugby World Cup in 2031 and 2033, respectively.

USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren added, "We couldn't be more pleased to announce the Pacific Nations Cup 2025, as we venture further in hosting premier global rugby on US soil. With Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033 inching closer, major event opportunities like the Pacific Nations Cup are key contributors in growing the American rugby fanbase, engaging partners and raising the profile of our sport. We have a lot to look forward to this fall as our Men's Eagles target Rugby World Cup qualification in front of the home crowd." 

Denver will host the semi-finals of the Pacific Nations Cup 2025, on Sunday September 14th, at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park. The six teams competing will create a day full of energy and fierce competition. Denver has always been a top market for Rugby in the U.S. and most recently, the city welcomed World Rugby delegates as it bids for the 2031 Men's & 2033 Women's World Cup.

"From world championships to grassroots leagues, Denver is a sports town through and through and now we get to bring that same energy to international rugby," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "We're proud to host the Pacific Nations Cup in September and we look forward to showcasing our world-class venues, warm hospitality and vibrant culture to the world."

This year's tournament will once again bring together six of the most dynamic and passionate rugby nations: Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and the USA, battling it out for glory and direct qualification for Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, with defending 2024 PNC champions Fiji, set to defend their title with a home opener in Suva on 30 August.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: "The reimagined Pacific Nations Cup is more than just a tournament, it's a manifestation of World Rugby's broader commitment to building a global game that is inclusive, competitive, and sustainable."

"By balancing high-performance standards with financial, environmental, and logistical considerations, the PNC offers a model that supports the long-term health of our sport. The structure, regional pools, home fixtures, finals rotation, and integrated development pathways, ensures that players, fans, and unions all benefit."

"Meanwhile, strategic host markets like Japan and the United States are playing key roles in rugby's global expansion, combining established fanbases with emerging commercial potential. The USA Finals will mark a pivotal moment in preparation for Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033 and I would like to thank all our local partners, starting with USA Rugby, for transforming this ambitious vision into a reality."

Event promoters TEG Rugby Live are the US delivery partner for USA Rugby and World Rugby, and are excited to work with the City and County of Denver, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, and the Denver Sports Commission to bring the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 to fans in America.

Stephen Cottrell TEG Rugby Live Managing Director said "TEG Rugby Live is proud to partner with USA Rugby and World Rugby as their official U.S. delivery partner, and we're thrilled to roll out the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 across America. This is a huge moment for rugby in the U.S., and we can't wait to bring fans closer to the action than ever before.

In the Pacific Nations Cup 2025, the teams are split into two regional pools of three, minimising long-haul travel during the pool stage, reducing the tournament's carbon footprint, and maximising player recovery time.

• Pool A: Fiji, Samoa, Tonga
• Pool B: Canada, Japan, USA

Each nation is guaranteed at least three matches, including a minimum of one home fixture, offering critical opportunities for fan engagement, expansion and awareness of the game. These fixtures play a key role in promoting the sport locally, building national team visibility, and giving home fans the chance to support their teams on home soil. This year's tournament of 11 matches will be officiated by nine Emirates World Rugby Match Officials representing eight nations. You can view a full list of match officials appointments here, and the full schedule of matches, with locations, can be found at the end of this release.

Kick-off times and broadcast arrangements will be announced in the coming weeks. As with last year's tournament, matches will be available globally through local broadcast partners as well as on RugbyPass TV, ensuring fans across the world can follow the action.

The Pacific Nations Cup 2025 also serves as a crucial qualification pathway to Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. This ensures that every fixture has tangible stakes, adding to the intensity and quality of play throughout the competition. The best three teams of the Pacific Nations Cup 2025, other than already-qualified Fiji and Japan, will punch their tickets to Australia 2027. The sixth-place team will join the South America/Pacific Play-off.

From Suva to Sendai, from Calgary to Salt Lake City, as six proud nations battle to lift the Pacific Nations Cup and take a massive step toward Men's Rugby World Cup 2027.

Match info and pre-sale signups can be found at usa.rugby/PNC2025

 Key dates and locations 

Week 1 

• Friday, 22 August: Canada v USA – McMahon Stadium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  
  
• Saturday, 23 August: Tonga v Samoa – Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nuku'alofa, Tonga
  
  
• Fiji and Japan: Bye week

Week 2 

• Saturday, 30 August: Fiji v Tonga – HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji
  
  
• Saturday, 30 August: Japan v Canada – Sendai Yurtec Stadium, Sendai, Japan
  
  
• Samoa and USA: Bye week

Week 3 

• Saturday, 6 September: Samoa v Fiji – Rotorua International Stadium, New Zealand
  
  
• Saturday, 6 September: USA v Japan – Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
  
  
• Tonga and Canada: Bye week

Sunday, 14 September – Semi-finals – DICK'S Sporting Goods Park – Denver, Colorado:

• Fifth-place play-off (Men's RWC 2027 qualifier) A3 v B3
  
  
• Semi-final 1: A2 v B1
  
  
• Semi-final 2: A1 v B2

These match-ups will determine which teams advance to the Cup final and third-place play-off, while the fifth-place play-off offers just as much excitement with the eventual winner qualifying directly for Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

Saturday, 20 September – Finals – America First Field, Salt Lake City, Utah:

• Third place play-off
  
  
• Final

SOURCE VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau