2023 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup Explained

2023 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup
Countries:


Date:22 July – 5 August 2023
Teams:4
Matches:6
Top Point Scorer: Caleb Muntz (22)
Top Try Scorer: Waisea Nayacalevu
Frank Lomani
Tevita Ikanivere
Amato Fakatava (2)
Count:6
Website:World Rugby
Previous Year:2022
Previous Tournament:2022 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup
Next Year:2024
Next Tournament:2024 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup

The 2023 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup was the sixteenth edition of the Pacific Nations Cup annual international rugby union competition.

Four teams competed, with Fiji, Samoa and Tonga returning, whilst Japan is reinstated for the first time since 2019, as the four nations use the tournament as preparation ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Fiji won the title, their sixth time, and won it for the first time since 2018.

Standings

RankTeamGamesPointsTriesTry BonusLosing BonusTable Points
PlayedWonDrawnLostForAgainstForAgainst
1 3 3 0 0 104 51 +53 14 8 3 0 15
2 3 2 0 1 77 64 +13 10 5 1 0 9
3 3 1 0 2 55 75 –20 6 10 0 1 5
4 3 0 0 3 45 91 –46 5 12 0 1 1
Points breakdown:
*4 points for a win
*2 points for a draw
*1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less
*1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match

Fixtures

Round 1

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Round 2

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Round 3

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Squads

NationHead coach Captain
Simon RaiwaluiWaisea Nayacalevu
Jamie JosephMichael Leitch
Seilala MapusuaMichael Alaalatoa
Toutai KefuSonatane Takulua

Fiji

On 27 June, head coach Simon Raiwalui named a 39-player squad for the 2023 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.[5]

Japan

On 11 June, Japan named an extended 46-player squad ahead of the team's preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Samoa

On 18 June 2023, the following 40 players were called up in preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup

Tonga

On 14 June, the following 35 players were called up for the July 2023 internationals.[6]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Pacific Nations Cup: Battleground ready for Flying Fijians versus 'Ikale Tahi . Radio New Zealand . 20 July 2023 . 22 July 2023.
  2. Brave Blossoms to Face Samoa In Opening Pacific Nations Match . Japan Rugby . 20 July 2023 . 22 July 2023.
  3. News: Former Wallaby and All Black set to debut for Manu Samoa against Japan . Planet Rugby . 20 July 2023 . 22 July 2023.
  4. News: WATCH: Michael Leitch red-carded for a nasty high tackle in Japan’s loss to Samoa . Planet Rugby . 22 July 2023 . 23 July 2023.
  5. https://www.fijirugby.com/raiwalui-names-fiji-water-flying-fijians-extended-squad/ Raiwalui names Fiji Water Flying Fijians extended squad
  6. https://www.planetrugby.com/news/two-superstars-make-tonga-switch-ahead-of-rugby-world-cup-warm-ups Two superstars make Tonga switch ahead of Rugby World Cup warm-ups