2023 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup

2023 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup
2023 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup
Tournament details
Countries	Fiji; Japan; Samoa; Tonga
Date	22 July – 5 August 2023
Tournament statistics
Teams	4
Matches played	6
Attendance	103,409 (17,235 per match)
Tries scored	35 (5.83 per match)
Top point scorer(s)	Caleb Muntz (22)
Top try scorer(s)	Waisea Nayacalevu; Frank Lomani; Tevita Ikanivere; Amato Fakatava (2)
Final
Champions	Fiji (6th title)
Runners-up	Samoa
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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

Rank	Team	Games				Points			Tries		Try Bonus	Losing Bonus	Table Points
Rank	Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Diff	For	Against	Try Bonus	Losing Bonus	Table Points
1	Fiji	3	3	0	0	104	51	+53	14	8	3	0	15
2	Samoa	3	2	0	1	77	64	+13	10	5	1	0	9
3	Japan	3	1	0	2	55	75	–20	6	10	0	1	5
4	Tonga	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

22 July 2023
15:00 FJT (UTC+12)

(1 BP) Fiji	36–20	Tonga
Try: Penalty try 5' Nayacalevu 7' m Matavesi 12' c Tuisova 40+1' c Matawalu 80' c Con: Muntz (3/4) 13', 40+3', 80+1' Pen: Muntz (1/1) 68'		Try: Maile 15' m L. Fifita 20' c Taumoefolau 48' m Con: Mausia (1/3) 21' Pen: Mausia (1/1) 26'

Churchill Park, Lautoka
Attendance: 15,000
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)

Team details


FB	15	Sireli Maqala
RW	14	Jiuta Wainiqolo	56'
OC	13	Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
IC	12	Josua Tuisova
LW	11	Selestino Ravutaumada
FH	10	Caleb Muntz
SH	9	Frank Lomani	77'
N8	8	Albert Tuisue	56'
OF	7	Levani Botia
BF	6	Lekima Tagitagivalu
RL	5	Temo Mayanavanua	68'
LL	4	Isoa Nasilasila
TP	3	Mesake Doge	56'
HK	2	Sam Matavesi	60'
LP	1	Peni Ravai	60'
Replacements:
HK	16	Tevita Ikanivere	60'
PR	17	Eroni Mawi	60'
PR	18	Luke Tagi	56'
LK	19	Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta	68'
FL	20	Viliame Mata	56'
SH	21	Ratu Peni Matawalu	77'
FH	22	Vilimoni Botitu
CE	23	Semi Radradra	56'
Coach:
Simon Raiwalui


FB	15	Charles Piutau
RW	14	Fine Inisi		44'
OC	13	Afusipa Taumoepeau
IC	12	Malakai Fekitoa
LW	11	Solomone Kata
FH	10	Otumaka Mausia		60'
SH	9	Sonatane Takulua (c)		68'
N8	8	Vaea Fifita		58'
OF	7	Solomone Funaki
BF	6	Tanginoa Halaifonua	5'
RL	5	Sam Lousi		72'
LL	4	Leva Fifita
TP	3	Ben Tameifuna		53'
HK	2	Siua Maile		53'
LP	1	Siegfried Fisi'ihoi		53'
Replacements:
HK	16	Sam Moli		53'
PR	17	Feao Fotuaika		53'
PR	18	Tau Koloamatangi		53'
LK	19	Steve Mafi		72'
N8	20	Sione Vailanu		58'
SH	21	Manu Paea		68'
FH	22	Patrick Pellegrini		60'
WG	23	Kyren Taumoefolau		44'
Coach:
Toutai Kefu

Assistant referees:
James Doleman (New Zealand)
Michael Winter (New Zealand)

Notes:

Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Caleb Muntz, Selestino Ravutaumada, Lekima Tagitagivalu (all Fiji) and Patrick Pellegrini (Tonga) made their international debuts.^[1]

22 July 2023
14:50 JST (UTC+09)

(1 BP) Japan	22–24	Samoa
Try: Fakatava 6' c Con: Lee Seung-sin (1/1) 7' Pen: Lee Seung-sin (5/5) 19', 42', 47', 57', 61'		Try: Motuga 37' c Taumateine 48' c Manu 63' c Con: Leali'ifano (3/3) 38', 50', 64' Pen: Leali'ifano (1/1) 25'

Sapporo Dome, Sapporo
Attendance: 22,063
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Team details


FB	15	Ryohei Yamanaka
RW	14	Kotaro Matsushima
OC	13	Dylan Riley		61'
IC	12	Shogo Nakano		55'
LW	11	Jone Naikabula
FH	10	Lee Seung-sin		71'
SH	9	Yutaka Nagare		54'
N8	8	Michael Leitch	30'
OF	7	Kazuki Himeno (cc)
BF	6	Jack Cornelsen
RL	5	Amato Fakatava		64'
LL	4	James Moore
TP	3	Koo Ji-won		65'
HK	2	Atsushi Sakate (cc)		61'
LP	1	Keita Inagaki		61'
Replacements:
HK	16	Shota Horie		61'
PR	17	Craig Millar		61'
PR	18	Shinnosuke Kakinaga		66'
LK	19	Uwe Helu		64'
FL	20	Shota Fukui		55'
SH	21	Naoto Saito		54'
FH	22	Rikiya Matsuda		71'
CE	23	Tomoki Osada		61'
Coach:
Jamie Joseph


FB	15	Danny Toala		65'
RW	14	Neria Fomai		58'
OC	13	UJ Seuteni
IC	12	Duncan Paia'aua
LW	11	Tumua Manu
FH	10	Christian Leali'ifano
SH	9	Jonathan Taumateine		67'
N8	8	So'otala Fa'aso'o		58'
OF	7	Alamanda Motuga
BF	6	Taleni Seu	16'
RL	5	Michael Curry
LL	4	Brian Alainu'uese		58'
TP	3	Paul Alo-Emile (c)		53'
HK	2	Luteru Tolai		53'
LP	1	Jordan Lay		72'
Replacements:
HK	16	Ray Niuia		53'
PR	17	Tietie Tuimauga		72'
PR	18	Charlie Faumuina		53'
LK	19	Genesis Mamea Lemalu		58'
N8	20	Miracle Faiʻilagi		58'
SH	21	Ere Enari		67'
CE	22	Martini Talapusi		65'
FB	23	Ed Fidow		58'
Coach:
Seilala Mapusua

Assistant referees:
Jordan Way (Australia)
Pierre Brousset (France)
Television match official:
Eric Gauzins (France)

Notes:

Amato Fakatava, Shota Fukui, Jone Naikabula, Tomoki Osada (all Japan), So'otala Fa'aso'o, Christian Leali'ifano, Charlie Faumuina, Miracle Faiʻilagi and Martini Talapusi (all Samoa) made their international debuts.^[2]^[3]
This was Samoa's first win over Japan since their 27–26 win in 2012.^[4]

Round 2

29 July 2023
15:00 WST (UTC+13)

Samoa	19–33	Fiji (1 BP)
Try: Leali'ifano 20' m Manu 45' c Lee 60' c Con: Leali'ifano (2/3) 46', 62'		Try: Ikanivere (2) 6' m, 16' m Masi 12' c Ravutaumada 30' c Con: Muntz (2/4) 12', 32' Pen: Muntz (3/4) 24', 40', 54'

Apia Park, Apia
Attendance: 8,000
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

Team details


FB	15	Danny Toala	54'
RW	14	Nigel Ah Wong
OC	13	Stacey Ili
IC	12	Duncan Paia'aua
LW	11	Tumua Manu	67'
FH	10	Christian Leali'ifano
SH	9	Ere Enari	55'
N8	8	Fritz Lee (c)
OF	7	Jack Lam	46'
BF	6	Steve Luatua	54'
RL	5	Taleni Seu
LL	4	Chris Vui
TP	3	Paul Alo-Emile	62'
HK	2	Ray Niuia	37'
LP	1	Jordan Lay	55'
Replacements:
HK	16	Sama Malolo	37'
PR	17	Tietie Tuimauga	55'
PR	18	Charlie Faumuina	62'
LK	19	Brian Alainu'uese	54'
FL	20	Genesis Mamea Lemalu	46'
SH	21	Melani Matavao	55'
FH	22	D'Angelo Leuila	67'
WG	23	Ed Fidow	54'
Coach:
Seilala Mapusua


FB	15	Ilaisa Droasese
RW	14	Selestino Ravutaumada
OC	13	Iosefo Masi	68'
IC	12	Semi Radradra (c)
LW	11	Kalaveti Ravouvou	57'
FH	10	Caleb Muntz
SH	9	Simione Kuruvoli	40'
N8	8	Viliame Mata
OF	7	Vilive Miramira	67'
BF	6	Meli Derenalagi
RL	5	Isoa Nasilasila
LL	4	Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta	57'
TP	3	Luke Tagi	62'
HK	2	Tevita Ikanivere	67'
LP	1	Eroni Mawi	62'
Replacements:
HK	16	Zuriel Togiatama	67'
PR	17	Peni Ravai	62'
PR	18	Samu Tawake	62'
FL	19	Joseva Tamani	57'
FL	20	Kitione Kamikamica	67'
SH	21	Ratu Peni Matawalu	40'
CE	22	Vilimoni Botitu	57'
CE	23	Josua Tuisova	68'
Coach:
Simon Raiwalui

Assistant referees:
James Doleman (New Zealand)
Matthew Kellahan (Australia)

Notes:

Sama Malolo and Steve Luatua (both Samoa) and Meli Derenalagi, Ilaisa Droasese Iosefo Masi, Vilive Miramira and Joseva Tamani (all Fiji) made their international debuts.

29 July 2023
19:30 JST (UTC+09)

Japan	21–16	Tonga (1 BP)
Try: Naikabula 20' m Fakatava 40' m Masirewa 53' m Pen: Lee Seung-sin (1/1) 32' Matsuda (1/1) 67'		Try: Takulua 23' m Moli 57' m Pen: Havili (2/2) 42', 47'

Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashiōsaka
Attendance: 27,346
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)

Team details


FB	15	Ryohei Yamanaka	64'
RW	14	Jone Naikabula
OC	13	Dylan Riley
IC	12	Tomoki Osada
LW	11	Semisi Masirewa
FH	10	Lee Seung-sin	47'
SH	9	Naoto Saito	53'
N8	8	Kazuki Himeno (c)
OF	7	Ben Gunter	59'
BF	6	Jack Cornelsen
RL	5	Uwe Helu	47'
LL	4	Amato Fakatava
TP	3	Asaeli Ai Valu	53'
HK	2	Atsushi Sakate	59'
LP	1	Keita Inagaki	59'
Replacements:
HK	16	Shota Horie	59'
PR	17	Craig Millar	59'
PR	18	Koo Ji-won	53'
LK	19	James Moore	47'
N8	20	Tevita Tatafu	59'
SH	21	Yutaka Nagare	53'
FH	22	Rikiya Matsuda	47'
WG	23	Kotaro Matsushima	64'
Coach:
Jamie Joseph


FB	15	Charles Piutau
RW	14	Solomone Kata
OC	13	Afusipa Taumoepeau
IC	12	Pita Ahki
LW	11	Kyren Taumoefolau	64'
FH	10	William Havili	73'
SH	9	Sonatane Takulua (c)	67'
N8	8	Lopeti Timani	47'
OF	7	Sione Havili Talitui
BF	6	Vaea Fifita
RL	5	Steve Mafi	47'
LL	4	Leva Fifita
TP	3	Ben Tameifuna	69'
HK	2	Sam Moli	69'
LP	1	Siegfried Fisi'ihoi	69'
Replacements:
HK	16	Paul Ngauamo	69'
PR	17	Feao Fotuaika	69'
PR	18	David Lolohea	69'
FL	19	Tanginoa Halaifonua	47'
FL	20	Solomone Funaki	47'
SH	21	Manu Paea	67'
FH	22	Otumaka Mausia	73'
CE	23	Malakai Fekitoa	64'
Coach:
Toutai Kefu

Assistant referees:
Damon Murphy (Australia)
Jordan Way (Australia)
Television match official:
Eric Gauzins (France)

Notes:

Sonatane Takulua (Tonga) became the first Tongan to reach the milestone of 50 test caps.

Round 3

5 August 2023
15:00 WST (UTC+13)

(1 BP) Samoa	34–9	Tonga
Try: Malolo 24' c Faiʻilagi 47' c Paia'aua 58' c Matavao 64' c Con: Leuila (4/4) 25', 48', 59', 65' Pen: Leuila (2/2) 16', 40'		Pen: Havili (1/1) 5' Mausia (2/2) 30', 37'

Apia Park, Apia
Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

Team details


FB	15	Tim Nanai-Williams
RW	14	Nigel Ah Wong	61'
OC	13	UJ Seuteni	30'
IC	12	Duncan Paia'aua
LW	11	Ed Fidow
FH	10	D'Angelo Leuila
SH	9	Jonathan Taumateine	57'
N8	8	Steve Luatua
OF	7	Jack Lam	46'
BF	6	Miracle Faiʻilagi	46'
RL	5	Brian Alainu'uese
LL	4	Chris Vui
TP	3	Michael Alaalatoa (c)	48'
HK	2	Sama Malolo	46'
LP	1	Charlie Faumuina	48'
Replacements:
HK	16	Luteru Tolai	46'
PR	17	Titi Lamositele	48'
PR	18	Paul Alo-Emile	48'
LK	19	Theo McFarland	46'
N8	20	Fritz Lee	46'
SH	21	Melani Matavao	57'
FH	22	Christian Leali'ifano	30'
WG	23	Neria Fomai	61'
Coach:
Seilala Mapusua


FB	15	Charles Piutau	44'
RW	14	Solomone Kata
OC	13	George Moala
IC	12	Pita Ahki
LW	11	Afusipa Taumoepeau
FH	10	William Havili	25'
SH	9	Sonatane Takulua (c)	52'
N8	8	Vaea Fifita
OF	7	Sione Havili Talitui	65'
BF	6	Tanginoa Halaifonua
RL	5	Steve Mafi	49'
LL	4	Leva Fifita
TP	3	Ben Tameifuna	61'
HK	2	Siua Maile	57'
LP	1	Siegfried Fisi'ihoi	66'
Replacements:
HK	16	Paul Ngauamo	57'
PR	17	Tau Koloamatangi	66'
PR	18	David Lolohea	61'
LK	19	Lopeti Timani	49'
FL	20	Solomone Funaki	65'
SH	21	Manu Paea	52'
FH	22	Otumaka Mausia	25'
CE	23	Malakai Fekitoa	44'
Coach:
Toutai Kefu

Assistant referees:
Damon Murphy (Australia)
Matthew Kellahan (Australia)

5 August 2023
19:15 JST (UTC+09)

Japan	12–35	Fiji (1 BP)
Try: Naikabula 71' c Masirewa 77' m Con: Lee Seung-sin (1/2) 72'		Try: Nayacalevu 4' c Mawi 17' c Kuruvoli 38' c Lomani (2) 58' c, 81' c Con: Volavola (4/4) 5', 18', 39', 59' Tela (1/1) 82'

Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Attendance: 27,000
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)

Team details


FB	15	Kotaro Matsushima
RW	14	Semisi Masirewa
OC	13	Dylan Riley	62'
IC	12	Tomoki Osada
LW	11	Jone Naikabula
FH	10	Rikiya Matsuda	56'
SH	9	Naoto Saito	40'
N8	8	Kazuki Himeno (c)	59'
OF	7	Lappies Labuschagné
BF	6	Jack Cornelsen
RL	5	Amato Fakatava	23'
LL	4	James Moore
TP	3	Asaeli Ai Valu	40'
HK	2	Atsushi Sakate	40'
LP	1	Keita Inagaki	40'
Replacements:
HK	16	Shota Horie	40'
PR	17	Craig Millar	40'
PR	18	Koo Ji-won	40'
FL	19	Kanji Shimokawa	23'
FL	20	Ben Gunter	59'
SH	21	Yutaka Nagare	40'
FH	22	Lee Seung-sin	56'
CE	23	Ryoto Nakamura	62'
Coach:
Jamie Joseph


FB	15	Sireli Maqala
RW	14	Jiuta Wainiqolo
OC	13	Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
IC	12	Vilimoni Botitu	19'
LW	11	Selestino Ravutaumada
FH	10	Ben Volavola	60'
SH	9	Simione Kuruvoli	49'
N8	8	Meli Derenalagi
OF	7	Kitione Kamikamica	53'
BF	6	Lekima Tagitagivalu
RL	5	Temo Mayanavanua	66'
LL	4	Albert Tuisue
TP	3	Luke Tagi	49'
HK	2	Sam Matavesi	49'
LP	1	Eroni Mawi	49'	79'
Replacements:
HK	16	Tevita Ikanivere	49'
PR	17	Peni Ravai	49'	79'
PR	18	Mesake Doge	49'
LK	19	Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta	66'
FL	20	Joseva Tamani	53'
SH	21	Frank Lomani	49'
FH	22	Teti Tela	19'
CE	23	Ilaisa Droasese	60'
Coach:
Simon Raiwalui

Assistant referees:
James Doleman (New Zealand)
Takehito Namekawa (Japan)
Television match official:
Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

Notes:

Kotaro Matsushima (Japan) earned his 50th test cap.
This was Fiji's first win over Japan in Japan since their 25–19 victory in 2012.

Squads

Nation	Head coach	Captain
Fiji	Simon Raiwalui	Waisea Nayacalevu
Japan	Jamie Joseph	Michael Leitch
Samoa	Seilala Mapusua	Michael Alaalatoa
Tonga	Toutai Kefu	Sonatane Takulua

Fiji

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

Player	Position	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Club/province
Tevita Ikanivere	Hooker	(1999-09-06)6 September 1999 (aged 23)	4	Fijian Drua
Sam Matavesi	Hooker	(1992-01-13)13 January 1992 (aged 31)	23	Northampton Saints
Zuriel Togiatama	Hooker	(1999-02-03)3 February 1999 (aged 24)	1	Fijian Drua
Mesake Doge	Prop	(1993-04-01)1 April 1993 (aged 30)	5	Fijian Drua
Eroni Mawi	Prop	(1996-06-02)2 June 1996 (aged 27)	20	Saracens
Peni Ravai	Prop	(1990-06-16)16 June 1990 (aged 33)	37	Reds
Luke Tagi	Prop	(1997-06-23)23 June 1997 (aged 26)	7	Provence
Samu Tawake	Prop	(1996-09-11)11 September 1996 (aged 26)	1	Fijian Drua
Meli Tuni	Prop	(2000-06-19)19 June 2000 (aged 23)	0	Fijian Drua
Temo Mayanavanua	Lock	(1997-11-09)9 November 1997 (aged 25)	7	Lyon
Isoa Nasilasila	Lock	(1999-09-13)13 September 1999 (aged 23)	2	Fijian Drua
Api Ratuniyarawa	Lock	(1986-07-11)11 July 1986 (aged 37)	41	London Irish
Lekima Tagitagivalu	Lock	(1995-12-04)4 December 1995 (aged 27)	0	Pau
Levani Botia	Back row	(1989-03-14)14 March 1989 (aged 34)	22	La Rochelle
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta	Back row	(1998-04-12)12 April 1998 (aged 25)	0	Fijian Drua
Meli Derenalagi	Back row	(1998-11-26)26 November 1998 (aged 24)	0	Fijian Drua
Kitione Kamikamica	Back row	(1996-04-27)27 April 1996 (aged 27)	4	Racing 92
Viliame Mata	Back row	(1991-10-22)22 October 1991 (aged 31)	21	Edinburgh
Vilive Miramira	Back row	(1999-03-21)21 March 1999 (aged 24)	0	Fijian Drua
Albert Tuisue	Back row	(1993-06-06)6 June 1993 (aged 30)	16	Gloucester
Peceli Yato	Back row	(1993-01-17)17 January 1993 (aged 30)	20	Clermont
Frank Lomani	Scrum-half	(1996-04-18)18 April 1996 (aged 27)	22	Fijian Drua
Ratu Peni Matawalu	Scrum-half	(1997-07-08)8 July 1997 (aged 26)	3	Fijian Drua
Simione Kuruvoli	Scrum-half	(1999-01-02)2 January 1999 (aged 24)	3	Fijian Drua
Caleb Muntz	Fly-half	(1999-10-30)30 October 1999 (aged 23)	0	Fijian Drua
Teti Tela	Fly-half	(1991-03-07)7 March 1991 (aged 32)	3	Fijian Drua
Ben Volavola	Fly-half	(1991-01-13)13 January 1991 (aged 32)	42	Racing 92
Vilimoni Botitu	Centre	(1998-06-15)15 June 1998 (aged 25)	5	Castres
Sireli Maqala	Centre	(2000-03-21)21 March 2000 (aged 23)	2	Bayonne
Iosefo Masi	Centre	(1998-05-09)9 May 1998 (aged 25)	0	Fijian Drua
Waisea Nayacalevu (c)	Centre	(1990-06-26)26 June 1990 (aged 33)	31	Toulon
Semi Radradra	Centre	(1992-06-13) 13 June 1992 (age 32)	11	Bristol Bears
Kalaveti Ravouvou	Centre	(1998-06-06)6 June 1998 (aged 25)	2	Fijian Drua
Seta Tamanivalu	Centre	(1992-01-23)23 January 1992 (aged 31)	3	Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo
Josua Tuisova	Centre	(1994-02-04)4 February 1994 (aged 29)	19	Lyon
Vinaya Habosi	Wing	(2000-01-30)30 January 2000 (aged 23)	3	Fijian Drua
Jiuta Wainiqolo	Wing	(1999-03-10)10 March 1999 (aged 24)	3	Toulon
Selestino Ravutaumada	Wing	(2000-01-17)17 January 2000 (aged 23)	0	Fijian Drua
Ilaisa Droasese	Fullback	(1999-09-13)13 September 1999 (aged 23)	0	Fijian Drua

Japan

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

Player	Position	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Club/province
Shota Horie	Hooker	(1986-01-21)21 January 1986 (aged 37)	68	Saitama Wild Knights
Kosuke Horikoshi	Hooker	(1995-06-02)2 June 1995 (aged 28)	7	Tokyo Sungoliath
Shunta Nakamura	Hooker	(1994-02-28)28 February 1994 (aged 29)	0	Tokyo Sungoliath
Atsushi Sakate	Hooker	(1993-06-21)21 June 1993 (aged 30)	33	Saitama Wild Knights
Asaeli Ai Valu	Prop	(1989-05-07)7 May 1989 (aged 34)	23	Saitama Wild Knights
Keita Inagaki	Prop	(1990-06-02)2 June 1990 (aged 33)	45	Saitama Wild Knights
Heiichiro Ito	Prop	(1990-10-05)5 October 1990 (aged 32)	6	Shizuoka Blue Revs
Shione Harasiri	Prop	(1990-10-15)15 October 1990 (aged 32)	0	Yokohama Canon Eagles
Koo Ji-won	Prop	(1994-07-20)20 July 1994 (aged 29)	21	Kobelco Kobe Steelers
Shinnosuke Kakinaga	Prop	(1991-12-19)19 December 1991 (aged 31)	11	Tokyo Sungoliath
Kenta Kobayashi	Prop	(1999-06-02)2 June 1999 (aged 24)	0	Tokyo Sungoliath
Craig Millar	Prop	(1990-10-29)29 October 1990 (aged 32)	9	Saitama Wild Knights
Jack Cornelsen	Lock	(1994-10-13)13 October 1994 (aged 28)	12	Saitama Wild Knights
Warner Dearns	Lock	(2002-04-11)11 April 2002 (aged 21)	7	Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo
Amato Fakatava	Lock	(1994-12-07)7 December 1994 (aged 28)	0	Black Rams Tokyo
Uwe Helu	Lock	(1990-07-12)12 July 1990 (aged 33)	16	Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay
James Moore	Lock	(1993-11-06)6 November 1993 (aged 29)	13	Urayasu D-Rocks
Amanaki Saumaki	Lock	(1997-03-08)8 March 1997 (aged 26)	0	Kobelco Kobe Steelers
Shota Fukui	Back row	(1999-09-28)28 September 1999 (aged 23)	0	Saitama Wild Knights
Ben Gunter	Back row	(1997-10-24)24 October 1997 (aged 25)	5	Saitama Wild Knights
Kazuki Himeno	Back row	(1994-07-27)27 July 1994 (aged 28)	25	Toyota Verblitz
Lappies Labuschagné	Back row	(1989-01-11)11 January 1989 (aged 34)	15	Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay
Michael Leitch	Back row	(1988-10-07)7 October 1988 (aged 34)	78	Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo
Faulua Makisi	Back row	(1997-01-20)20 January 1997 (aged 26)	5	Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay
Kanji Shimokawa	Back row	(1999-01-17)17 January 1999 (aged 24)	1	Tokyo Sungoliath
Tevita Tatafu	Back row	(1996-01-02)2 January 1996 (aged 27)	15	Tokyo Sungoliath
Kenta Fukuda	Scrum-half	(1996-12-19)19 December 1996 (aged 26)	0	Toyota Verblitz
Yutaka Nagare	Scrum-half	(1992-09-04)4 September 1992 (aged 30)	30	Tokyo Sungoliath
Naoto Saito	Scrum-half	(1997-08-26)26 August 1997 (aged 25)	11	Tokyo Sungoliath
Kaito Shigeno	Scrum-half	(1990-11-21)21 November 1990 (aged 32)	16	Toyota Verblitz
Rikiya Matsuda	Fly-half	(1994-05-03)3 May 1994 (aged 29)	29	Saitama Wild Knights
Lee Seung-sin	Fly-half	(2001-01-13)13 January 2001 (aged 22)	6	Kobelco Kobe Steelers
Nicholas McCurran	Centre	(1996-06-13)13 June 1996 (aged 27)	0	Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo
Ryoto Nakamura	Centre	(1991-06-03)3 June 1991 (aged 32)	33	Tokyo Sungoliath
Shogo Nakano	Centre	(1997-06-11)11 June 1997 (aged 26)	6	Tokyo Sungoliath
Tomoki Osada	Centre	(1999-11-25)25 November 1999 (aged 23)	0	Saitama Wild Knights
Dylan Riley	Centre	(1997-05-02)2 May 1997 (aged 26)	10	Saitama Wild Knights
Siosaia Fifita	Wing	(1998-12-20)20 December 1998 (aged 24)	12	Hanazono Kintetsu Liners
Haruto Kida	Wing	(1999-04-09)9 April 1999 (aged 24)	0	Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay
Lomano Lemeki	Wing	(1989-01-20)20 January 1989 (aged 34)	16	Green Rockets Tokatsu
Kotaro Matsushima	Wing	(1993-02-26)26 February 1993 (aged 30)	47	Tokyo Sungoliath
Semisi Masirewa	Wing	(2023-07-22)22 July 2023 (aged 0)	2	Hanazono Kintetsu Liners
Jone Naikabula	Wing	(1994-04-12)12 April 1994 (aged 29)	0	Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo
Taichi Takahashi	Wing	(1996-06-24)24 June 1996 (aged 27)	1	Toyota Verblitz
Ryohei Yamanaka	Fullback	(1988-06-22)22 June 1988 (aged 35)	27	Kobelco Kobe Steelers
Jumpei Ogura	Fullback	(1992-07-11)11 July 1992 (aged 31)	4	Yokohama Canon Eagles

Samoa

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

Player	Position	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Club/province
Seilala Lam	Hooker	(1989-02-18)18 February 1989 (aged 34)	21	Perpignan
Sama Malolo	Hooker	(1998-02-19)19 February 1998 (aged 25)	0	San Diego Legion
Ray Niuia	Hooker	(1991-06-19)19 June 1991 (aged 32)	13	Moana Pasifika / North Harbour
Luteru Tolai	Hooker	(1998-01-06)6 January 1998 (aged 25)	1	Moana Pasifika / North Harbour
Michael Alaalatoa (c)	Prop	(1991-08-28)28 August 1991 (aged 31)	13	Leinster
Paul Alo-Emile	Prop	(1991-12-22)22 December 1991 (aged 31)	17	Stade Français
Charlie Faumuina	Prop	(1986-12-24)24 December 1986 (aged 36)	0	Toulouse
Titi Lamositele	Prop	(1995-02-11)11 February 1995 (aged 28)	0	Montpellier
Jordan Lay	Prop	(1992-11-05)5 November 1992 (aged 30)	23	Blues / Auckland
Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen	Prop	(1990-11-19)19 November 1990 (aged 32)	3	Ulster
Tietie Tuimauga	Prop	(1993-08-05)5 August 1993 (aged 29)	2	Montauban
Brian Alainu'uese	Lock	(1994-03-19)19 March 1994 (aged 29)	3	Toulon
Michael Curry	Lock	(1994-03-02)2 March 1994 (aged 29)	1	Moana Pasifika
Miracle Fai'ilagi	Lock	(1999-08-31)31 August 1999 (aged 23)	0	Moana Pasifika
Theo McFarland	Lock	(1995-10-16)16 October 1995 (aged 27)	6	Saracens
Chris Vui	Lock	(1993-02-11)11 February 1993 (aged 30)	24	Bristol Bears
So'otala Fa'aso'o	Back row	(1994-10-02)2 October 1994 (aged 28)	0	London Irish
Jack Lam	Back row	(1987-11-18)18 November 1987 (aged 35)	33	Moana Pasifika / Waikato
Fritz Lee	Back row	(1988-08-29)29 August 1988 (aged 34)	5	Clermont
Steve Luatua	Back row	(1991-04-29)29 April 1991 (aged 32)	0	Bristol Bears
Genesis Mamea Lemalu	Back row	(1988-09-22)22 September 1988 (aged 34)	4	Perpignan
Alamanda Motuga	Back row	(1994-09-11)11 September 1994 (aged 28)	4	Moana Pasifika / Counties Manukau
Taleni Seu	Back row	(1993-12-26)26 December 1993 (aged 29)	3	Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi
Sam Slade	Back row	(1997-08-28)28 August 1997 (aged 25)	4	Moana Pasifika / Counties Manukau
Jordan Taufua	Back row	(1992-01-29)29 January 1992 (aged 31)	5	Lyon
Ere Enari	Scrum-half	(1997-05-30)30 May 1997 (aged 26)	2	Moana Pasifika / Hawke's Bay
Melani Matavao	Scrum-half	(1995-11-19)19 November 1995 (aged 27)	11	Samoa Sevens
Jonathan Taumateine	Scrum-half	(1996-09-28)28 September 1996 (aged 26)	8	Moana Pasifika / Counties Manukau
Christian Leali'ifano	Fly-half	(1987-09-24)24 September 1987 (aged 35)	0	Moana Pasifika
D'Angelo Leuila	Fly-half	(1997-01-18)18 January 1997 (aged 26)	20	Moana Pasifika / Waikato
Lima Sopoaga	Fly-half	(1991-02-03)3 February 1991 (aged 32)	0	Lyon
Stacey Ili	Centre	(1991-05-11)11 May 1991 (aged 32)	3	Melbourne Rebels
Tumua Manu	Centre	(1993-04-18)18 April 1993 (aged 30)	4	Pau
Danny Toala	Centre	(1999-03-26)26 March 1999 (aged 24)	6	Moana Pasifika / Hawke's Bay
Duncan Paia'aua	Centre	(1995-01-20)20 January 1995 (aged 28)	2	Toulon
UJ Seuteni	Centre	(1993-12-09)9 December 1993 (aged 29)	9	La Rochelle
Nigel Ah Wong	Wing	(1990-05-30)30 May 1990 (aged 33)	6	Moana Pasifika / Bay of Plenty
Neria Fomai	Wing	(1992-02-03)3 February 1992 (aged 31)	5	Moana Pasifika / Hawke's Bay
Tim Nanai-Williams	Fullback	(1989-06-12)12 June 1989 (aged 34)	16	Toulouse
Martini Talapusi	Fullback	(1995-04-09)9 April 1995 (aged 28)	0	Rugby ATL

Tonga

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

Player	Position	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Club/province
Siua Maile	Hooker	(1997-02-18)18 February 1997 (aged 26)	13	Benetton
Sam Moli	Hooker	(1998-12-24)24 December 1998 (aged 24)	10	Moana Pasifika
Paul Ngauamo	Hooker	(1990-02-19)19 February 1990 (aged 33)	23	Castres
Sosefo Sakalia	Hooker	(1991-12-14)14 December 1991 (aged 31)	13	Kolomotu’a
Joe Apikotoa	Prop	(1996-07-18)18 July 1996 (aged 27)	2	Moana Pasifika
Siegfried Fisi'ihoi	Prop	(1987-06-08)8 June 1987 (aged 36)	19	Pau
Feao Fotuaika	Prop	(1993-04-23)23 April 1993 (aged 30)	1	Lyon
David Lolohea	Prop	(1992-02-26)26 February 1992 (aged 31)	8	Provence
Tau Koloamatangi	Prop	(1995-01-03)3 January 1995 (aged 28)	4	Moana Pasifika
Ben Tameifuna	Prop	(1991-08-30)30 August 1991 (aged 31)	24	Bordeaux
Adam Coleman	Lock	(1991-10-07)7 October 1991 (aged 31)	0	London Irish
Leva Fifita	Lock	(1989-07-29)29 July 1989 (aged 33)	28	Connacht
Sam Lousi	Lock	(1991-07-20)20 July 1991 (aged 32)	12	Scarlets
Steve Mafi	Lock	(1989-12-09)9 December 1989 (aged 33)	36	Oyonnax
Vaea Fifita	Back row	(1992-06-17)17 June 1992 (aged 31)	4	Scarlets
Solomone Funaki	Back row	(1994-04-25) 25 April 1994 (age 30)	8	Moana Pasifika
Tanginoa Halaifonua	Back row	(1996-09-20)20 September 1996 (aged 26)	9	Grenoble
Sione Havili Talitui	Back row	(1998-01-25)25 January 1998 (aged 25)	6	Crusaders
Lopeti Timani	Back row	(1990-09-28)28 September 1990 (aged 32)	1	Cardiff
Sione Vailanu	Back row	(1995-01-27)27 January 1995 (aged 28)	10	Glasgow Warriors
Manu Paea	Scrum-half	(2001-09-17)17 September 2001 (aged 21)	6	Moana Pasifika
Augustine Pulu	Scrum-half	(1990-01-04)4 January 1990 (aged 33)	3	Hino Red Dolphins
Sonatane Takulua (c)	Scrum-half	(1991-01-11)11 January 1991 (aged 32)	49	Agen
William Havili	Fly-half	(1998-09-09)9 September 1998 (aged 24)	7	Moana Pasifika
Otumaka Mausia	Fly-half	(1997-04-22)22 April 1997 (aged 26)	6	Auckland
Patrick Pellegrini	Fly-half	(2000-10-17)17 October 2000 (aged 22)	0	Coventry
Pita Ahki	Centre	(1992-09-24)24 September 1992 (aged 30)	1	Toulouse
Malakai Fekitoa	Centre	(1992-05-10)10 May 1992 (aged 31)	4	Benetton
George Moala	Centre	(1990-11-05)5 November 1990 (aged 32)	3	Clermont
Afusipa Taumoepeau	Centre	(1990-01-26)26 January 1990 (aged 33)	8	Perpignan
Fine Inisi	Wing	(1998-05-19)19 May 1998 (aged 25)	5	Moana Pasifika
Solomone Kata	Wing	(1994-12-03)3 December 1994 (aged 28)	5	Exeter Chiefs
Kyren Taumoefolau	Wing	(2003-05-08)8 May 2003 (aged 20)	1	Moana Pasifika
Israel Folau	Fullback	(1989-04-03)3 April 1989 (aged 34)	2	Urayasu D-Rocks
Charles Piutau	Fullback	(1991-10-31)31 October 1991 (aged 31)	2	Bristol Bears

References

^ "Pacific Nations Cup: Battleground ready for Flying Fijians versus 'Ikale Tahi". Radio New Zealand. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
^ "Brave Blossoms to Face Samoa In Opening Pacific Nations Match". Japan Rugby (Press release). 20 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
^ "Former Wallaby and All Black set to debut for Manu Samoa against Japan". Planet Rugby. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
^ "WATCH: Michael Leitch red-carded for a nasty high tackle in Japan's loss to Samoa". Planet Rugby. 22 July 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
^ Raiwalui names Fiji Water Flying Fijians extended squad
^ Two superstars make Tonga switch ahead of Rugby World Cup warm-ups

External links

Pacific Nations Cup web page at World Rugby

[Pacific_Nations_Cup:_Battleground_ready_for_Flying_Fijians_versus_'Ikale_Tahi-1] "Pacific Nations Cup: Battleground ready for Flying Fijians versus 'Ikale Tahi". Radio New Zealand. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.

[Brave_Blossoms_to_Face_Samoa_In_Opening_Pacific_Nations_Match-2] "Brave Blossoms to Face Samoa In Opening Pacific Nations Match". Japan Rugby (Press release). 20 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.

[Former_Wallaby_and_All_Black_set_to_debut_for_Manu_Samoa_against_Japan-3] "Former Wallaby and All Black set to debut for Manu Samoa against Japan". Planet Rugby. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.

[WATCH:_Michael_Leitch_red-carded_for_a_nasty_high_tackle_in_Japan’s_loss_to_Samoa-4] "WATCH: Michael Leitch red-carded for a nasty high tackle in Japan's loss to Samoa". Planet Rugby. 22 July 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.

[5] Raiwalui names Fiji Water Flying Fijians extended squad

[6] Two superstars make Tonga switch ahead of Rugby World Cup warm-ups

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v t e Pacific Nations Cup
Seasons	2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2022 2023 2024 2025
Teams	Canada Fiji Japan Samoa Tonga United States
Former teams	Australia A Georgia Junior All Blacks New Zealand Māori
World Rugby

Standings

Fixtures

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Squads

Fiji

Japan

Samoa

Tonga

See also

References

External links