Agreement has been reached over a new format for the Pacific Rim Tournament for next year. It will be played between July 4th – 8th in Japan and will include Japan, the host nation, the champions and runner up from an Oceania tournament involving Fiji, Samoa and Tonga and the winner of a North American play off between Canada and the United States. Dates and venues for the preliminary matches will be announced shortly.

Next year’s revised format is likely to undergo further changes in 2002, as the Pacific Rim moves to become a tournament of regional champions. Regionalisation is an important part of the IRB’s development strategy, and the Board has been working closely with the Pacific Rim Unions to reach an agreement.

For Further Information Please Contact:

International Rugby Board,
Chris Rea
Tel: (353 1) 2409 200
Fax: (353 1) 2409 201
Website: www.irb.org
Email: irb@irb.ie