Report: Fiji to Play the U.S. and Canada Next Summer

Fiji Rugby Union CEO Manasa Baravilala has strongly hinted that Fiji will be travelling to the U.S. and Canada next summer to play a pair of matches in the newly re-vamped Pacific Nations Cup. In speaking with Fiji Live, Baravilala noted that Samoa’s decision to play in South Africa next June has thrown out plans to play PNC matches in Hawaii and instead Fiji will travel to play the U.S. and Canada. He also hinted that the team may play Japan in the same time period depending on cost. Baravilala also noted that most PNC matches would take place in Japan but that is more likely in reference to playing Japan and possibly Tonga in Japan at a later time like in past years.

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A Fiji tour of the U.S. and Canada makes sense considering that U.S.A. Rugby CEO Nigel Melville has stated that the U.S. will play in the PNC this year and that no Tier II European touring partner is expected to accompany Ireland on their three match tour of North America. The U.S. hosts Ireland on June 8, while Canada host Ireland on June 15 and 22. If Fiji were to tour the U.S., it would make sense for the U.S. to play Fiji on one of those dates. While not mentioned in the article, if Tonga were originally scheduled to travel to Hawaii as well it would make sense for them to also travel to North America to fulfill more PNC fixtures.

If Fiji and Tonga do travel to North America, it will mean that the U.S. will host three test matches for the first time in years. Additionally, the match against Ireland is expected to duplicate the success at the gate it had last year and if the potential matches against Fiji and Tonga are held on the West Coast, it could be a banner year in terms of attendance for the Eagles and be a significant boost to their union’s budget.

What do you think? Would you attend a match against either Fiji or Tonga?