Pacific Nations Cup: Fiji meet Japan in Final as Samoa and Chile push for 2027 Rugby World Cup

Defending champions Fiji will take on Japan in a repeat of the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup Final, while Tonga meet Canada in the third-place play-off. Earlier in the day, Samoa take on Chile in the first leg of their Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification play-off.

Samoa enter this clash eager to bounce back from their 29–13 defeat to the USA in Denver last weekend. Chile, runners-up in the Sudamericano 2025, stand in their way as the two nations battle for the 23rd spot at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

The tie will be decided over two legs, with the return fixture scheduled for 27 September in Viña del Mar, Chile. The aggregate winner will book their ticket to Australia, while the loser faces one last chance at the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai in November 2025.

Both teams were well beaten in their semi-finals, with Tonga falling 62–24 to Japan and Canada losing 63–10 to Fiji. The two sides now meet for pride and a podium finish, with plenty still to play for in terms of rankings and momentum heading into future campaigns.

The headline act of Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Finals Day sees Fiji and Japan renew their rivalry in the title decider. Fiji, ranked ninth in the world, will be out to retain their crown, while 13th-ranked Japan are eyeing revenge after last year’s loss in the final.

Both sides produced dominant semi-final performances to reach the decider, setting up another enthralling contest between two of the fastest, most skillful teams in world rugby. With pride, rankings, and silverware all on the line, fans in Utah can expect fireworks when the trophy is lifted under the lights.

This Finals Day also represents a landmark for rugby in the United States, with Salt Lake City hosting the decisive matches of the Pacific Nations Cup for the very first time.