### A New Era for Rugby in the U.S.
The stage is set for a major milestone in the world of rugby as the United States gears up to host the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) Finals. This significant event comes at a pivotal time for rugby in America, with World Rugby aiming to ignite interest and engagement in the sport ahead of the men’s Rugby World Cup scheduled for 2031 and the women’s edition in 2033.
### What is the Pacific Nations Cup?
The PNC is a prestigious rugby tournament featuring six teams from across the Pacific region: the U.S., Canada, Japan, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. This competition is not only a showcase of talent but also serves as a crucial pathway for teams aiming to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. With Japan and Fiji already securing their spots based on their top 12 finishes in the 2023 tournament, the stakes are high for the remaining teams, which will determine three more direct qualifiers through their PNC performances.
### Tournament Structure and Venue Details
The tournament will adopt a round-robin format, culminating in the semi-finals and finals, which are set to take place in prominent venues. The semi-finals will be hosted at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado—an 18,000-seat stadium that is home to the MLS team Colorado Rapids. The final and the match for third place will occur at America First Field in Salt Lake, Utah, which holds 20,000 spectators.
Additionally, a pivotal pool game between Japan and the U.S. is scheduled for September 5 in Sacramento, California, serving as an ideal opener for the tournament before the semi-finals take place on September 13 and the grand finale unfolds on September 20.
### Rankings and Competitiveness
Reflecting the growing international stature of rugby, all six participating teams rank within the top 25 globally according to World Rugby. Fiji stands at 9th place, while Japan, Samoa, and the U.S. share a close range, placing 13th, 14th, and 15th, respectively. Tonga and Canada round out the list at 19th and 24th. This competitive atmosphere will undoubtedly heighten excitement for fans and participants alike.
### Growth and Development in American Rugby
Rugby is experiencing a promising surge in the U.S. with evidence pointing to an expanding audience. The upcoming World Cups are just one aspect of this growth; the latest figures reveal there are around 800,000 registered rugby players in the country, marking the U.S. as a top-five populous market for the sport. World Rugby estimates that capturing just one percent of the U.S. sports rights market could potentially double rugby’s global economy, highlighting the lucrative opportunities that lie ahead.
In an effort to support grassroots development, World Rugby has set ambitious goals for university rugby programs in the U.S.—aiming to increase the current number from 27 funded teams to 40. This development is crucial for unlocking additional funding and sponsorship opportunities necessary for further growth.
### Investment Opportunities
The sport’s increasing visibility has attracted notable investments, such as the significant $4 million contribution from Michele Kang, who is heavily involved in women’s soccer. This funding aims to bolster the U.S. women’s Rugby Sevens team as they prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, following their bronze medal win in the 2024 Olympics. The surge in support for women’s rugby was on full display recently when over 10,000 fans attended a match in Kansas City against Canada, breaking previous attendance records for the team.
### Upcoming International Matches
The PNC is just one highlight in a busy 2025 rugby calendar in the U.S. Anticipation is building for a thrilling clash in November when the iconic New Zealand All Blacks face Ireland at Soldier Field in Chicago, a rematch following Ireland’s historic victory there in 2016. Additionally, July will feature a doubleheader at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., where both the men’s and women’s teams from England will take on their American counterparts. These matches, promoted by Australian events company TEG, emphasize the increasing appeal of rugby on American soil.
### The Broader Sports Landscape
Rugby isn’t alone in its pursuit of expanding into the U.S. Other sports, including soccer, are also capitalizing on new audiences and revenue streams. The FIFA Club World Cup is set to launch in the U.S. in 2025 alongside the men’s World Cup in 2026, showcasing the country’s growing influence in international sports.
### Strategic Approach by World Rugby
According to World Rugby’s CEO, Alan Gilpin, there’s an increasing need to be sensitive to local audiences. He emphasizes the importance of providing a platform for national teams to showcase their talents while recognizing the diverse expatriate communities that can help foster a supportive rugby culture in the U.S. By ensuring that the U.S. national teams are featured prominently, World Rugby aims to enhance competition levels, paving the way for future successes in the World Cups ahead.
