Jump to main content
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup

Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup

Two of Wales’s opponents in this year’s World Cup, lost their final matches of the Pacific Nations Cup overnight.

Share this page:

Fiji, due to play Wales in the final Pool D clash on October 2 in Warren Gatland’s backyard in Hamilton, suffered a shock 24-13 defeat to Japan who created history by winning the Nations Cup for the very first time in Lautoka.

The Japanese headed into the third and final match day lying in fourth place and needed a bonus point victory to secure the title. That decisive try came deep in injury time to deny Tonga and send the Japanese players, officials and fans into a frenzy of celebration.

Samoa, scheduled to meet Wales in Hamilton on September 19, lost to arch rivals Tonga 29-19.

“This is big for Japan Rugby and Fiji gave us the chance as their discipline let them down,” said Japan coach, John Kirwan.

“However, I salute my players for the effort and they did what I asked them at the break. Now it is the World Cup and there is still a lot of work to be done.”

Partners and Suppliers

Principal Partners
Principality
Admiral
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup
Vodafone
Go.Compare
Official Broadcast Partners
S4C
BBC Cymru/Wales
Official Partners
Guinness
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup
Heineken
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup
Official Suppliers
Gilbert
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup
Rhino Rugby
Sportseen
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup
Princes Gate
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup
Amber
Opro
Total Energies
Seat Unique
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup
Castell Howell
Glamorgan Brewing
Ted Hopkins
Hawes & Curtis
Japan claim Pacific Nations Cup