IRB Pacific Nations Cup Matches Relocated to Fiji

The International Rugby Board has confirmed that all but one of the IRB Pacific Nations Cup 2011 matches will be moved from Japan to Fiji, following the devastating earthquake and Tsunami that hit the north-east coast of Japan on 11 March 2011.

The tournament will retain the same dates with the opening round taking place on 2 July, the second round on 9 July and the final round of matches on 13 July. The match between Japan and Samoa on 2 July will remain in Tokyo with the five remaining matches relocated to Lautoka and Suva.

“This has been a hard decision for everyone involved, given that the Japan Rugby Football Union has shown great enthusiasm for hosting the IRB Pacific Nations Cup this year, but all stakeholders agreed that it is in the best interests of the Union, the nation and the tournament,” said IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset. “The thoughts of the global Rugby family continue to be with the people of Japan and everyone affected by the earthquake and Tsunami as they focus on the rebuilding process across the country. We will continue to give the Japan Rugby Football Union our support and assistance.”

While disappointed that the event has moved, the Japan Rugby Football Union is committed to continuing to play their part to ensure that the tournament is a success.

“The relocation of matches was a difficult decision to take for the Japan Rugby Football Union and the IRB. It was a great disappointment, given our commitment to delivering an outstanding tournament, but it was the logical decision,” said JRFU Chairman Tatsuzo Yabe. “However, we are pleased that we will be playing Samoa in Tokyo as scheduled and will use the match as a sign of support for the Japan Rugby community, while showing our ability to deliver a superb Test match.”

The Fiji Rugby Union successfully hosted the IRB Pacific Nations Cup in 2009 and are working in collaboration with the IRB and JRFU on relocating the tournament to Fiji.

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