World Rugby has put Eddie Jones’ Japan on a clearly defined September runway by confirming the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup dates, venues and revised four-team format.
The governing body confirmed that the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup will run from 12-19 September in Japan, with Canada, defending champions Fiji and the USA joining the hosts across two match days in Osaka and Tokyo.
The semi-finals will be staged at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on 12 September, with Fiji facing Canada before Japan meet the USA. Finals day then moves to Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on 19 September, where the third-place play-off and final will complete the tournament.
Why the Jones angle matters
Jones framed the tournament as a development lever for Japan, saying it allows his side to test its talent against “the best of the Pacific” while entertaining home supporters with Cho-Soku Rugby.
That makes the Japan v USA semi-final more than a standalone fixture. It is a checkpoint before the 2027 World Cup cycle hardens, and it follows the wider calendar reset that has already sharpened the Nations Championship and Nations Cup landscape. Read Rugby Union has already detailed the immediate Japan-USA semi-final edge; this confirmation gives it commercial and structural weight.
Fiji’s place is equally significant. The Flying Fijians have beaten Japan in the last two finals and will chase a third straight title, while Canada get a direct semi-final shot at the reigning champions. Samoa and Tonga, meanwhile, remain outside this edition because they are competing in the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup, with World Rugby pledging targeted support and funding.
For Japan’s players, the calendar now has shape. For Jones, it gives September a hard performance marker.
