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Samoa
Wikipedia - Rugby League Pacific Championships
The Rugby League Pacific Championship is a rugby league tournament for national teams in Oceania. Its inaugural tournament was in 2019 as the "Oceania Cup".
The tournament replaced the Anzac Test Series (1997–2017), which solely featured Australia and New Zealand as a single match annual test. Before the Pacific Championships, regular regional competition between the other Oceanian countries was sporadic since the cessation of the Pacific Cup (1974–2009) which served as a development competition for the Pacific Islands.
History
The tournament was created in 2019 as the Oceania Cup with a two tiered format. The top tier (cup) consisted of Australia, New Zealand and Tonga and the second tier (shield) consisted of Fiji, Samoa and Papua New Guinea. Australia won the Cup in the inaugural season while Fiji won the shield and got promoted for the 2020 competition.
For the 2020 edition, Cook Islands were scheduled to take Fiji's place in the shield. No team was relegated from the cup as Australia were going to go on a tour of England that year. The competition was scheduled to begin in June and conclude in November, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tournament returned in 2023, following the pandemic and postponed 2021 Rugby League World Cup, under the name Pacific Championships. The tournament came as part of a $7 million investment by the NRL and Australian Government to develop rugby league in the surrounding countries, in addition to forming part of the International Rugby League new seven year international calendar.
2024 saw the introduction of the women's competition. Note women's games were held in 2023, but as a series of friendlies and in no structured competition. The 2024 Women's Bowl will also be the Asia-Pacific qualification tournament for the 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup. For 2024 onwards, promotion and relegation will not be automatic and would occur via a playoff.
The Pacific Championships Cup is an exhilarating rugby league tournament that showcases the best talent from across the Pacific region. This prestigious event brings together national teams from various Pacific nations, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea, creating a vibrant atmosphere of competition, camaraderie, and cultural pride.
Held annually, the Pacific Championships Cup features a series of electrifying matches that highlight the skill, speed, and athleticism of the players. Fans can expect thrilling displays of rugby league prowess as teams battle for supremacy on the field, each vying for the coveted trophy and the honor of being crowned champions of the Pacific.
Beyond the on-field action, the tournament serves as a platform for celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the participating nations. Spectators can immerse themselves in the unique traditions, music, and cuisine of the Pacific Islands, making the event a true festival of sport and culture.
With its commitment to promoting rugby league in the region and fostering international relationships, the Pacific Championships Cup is not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of unity, passion, and the spirit of competition. Join us for an unforgettable experience as we witness the rise of rugby league stars and the forging of lasting memories in the heart of the Pacific!