Tonga to face Japan ahead of 2019 RWC

Tonga will be facing Japan as part of their warm up match leading up to this year’s Rugby World Cup.

This was confirmed after World Rugby has announced that Japan will host two Pacific Nations Cup 2019 matches as part of a readiness programme for Rugby World Cup 2019.

With Rugby World Cup fever sweeping across the nation, fans in Japan will have the opportunity to see the Brave Blossoms play two test matches against Fiji in Kamaishi and Tonga in Hanazono.

The selection of Kamaishi and Hanazono, who will host Fiji and Tonga respectively during Rugby World Cup 2019, provides 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 Rugby World Cup teams 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. 

Meanwhile, Tonga is pooled with USA, Argentina, France and England in this year’s Rugby World Cup.