The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians and Tonga will respectively play each of their 2019 Pacific Nations Cup matches in Japan next year.
The two teams will play against the host nation as part of a readiness programme for Rugby World Cup 2019.
World Rugby says that the Brave Blossoms will play their test match against Fiji in Kamaishi and Tonga in Hanazono.
The selection of the venues is where Fiji and Tonga will play during next year’s World Cup.
World Rugby says that the hosting of the PNC will provide the opportunity for the cities and fans to build an affinity with teams, while delivering the hosts with an important operational testing platform.
In addition to Japan, Fiji and Tonga, the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup 2019 will be contested by Canada, Samoa and USA over three rounds on 27 July, 3 August and 9‑10 August 2019 with matches also played in Fiji, Samoa and USA.
The Flying Fijians are the reigning champions and are currently eighth in the World Rugby Rankings, Japan 11th, USA a record 12th, Tonga 14th, Samoa 16th and Canada 20th.
Japan Rugby Football Union Chairman Noriyuki Sakamoto says that it is with great pleasure that two PNC matches will be held in Japan, just two months before the Rugby World Cup commences.
The Rugby World Cup takes place in Japan from 20th September to 2nd November 2019.
Fiji is pooled with Australia, Wales, Georgia and Uruguay in Pool D of the Rugby World Cup.
[Source: World Rugby]
