2023 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.

2023 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup
Tournament details
Countries Fiji
 Japan
 Samoa
 Tonga
Date22 July – 5 August 2023
Tournament statistics
Teams4
Matches played6
Attendance103,409 (17,235 per match)
Tries scored35 (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
← 2022 (Previous)
(Next) 2024 →

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

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Rank Team Games Points Tries Try Bonus Losing Bonus Table Points
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against Diff For Against
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

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Round 1

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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)

Notes:


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)

Notes:

Round 2

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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)

Notes:


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)

Notes:

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

Round 3

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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)

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)

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Pacific Nations Cup: Battleground ready for Flying Fijians versus 'Ikale Tahi". Radio New Zealand. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  2. ^ "Brave Blossoms to Face Samoa In Opening Pacific Nations Match". Japan Rugby (Press release). 20 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  3. ^ "Former Wallaby and All Black set to debut for Manu Samoa against Japan". Planet Rugby. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  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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