RNZI reports Tonga will play Fiji in their opener in Suva and the match comes as World Rugby released High Performance Unit and development funding that had been withheld since the start of the year over governance issues.
Fe'ao Vunipola says the Pacific Nations Cup, which doubles as World Cup qualifiers, is an important tournament so the funding is timely.
"It's important that we have a good start. Thank goodness we had the funds released and the boys had a three day camp and hopefully, God blessing, they can perform to their best," he said.
