The National Rugby League (NRL) has unveiled the official draw for the 2025 Pacific Championships, which will see elite men’s and women’s international rugby league teams compete across three countries over four action-packed weekends in October and November.
Following the thrilling conclusion to last year’s tournament—where the Kangaroos and Jillaroos lifted their respective Pacific Cup trophies in front of a sell-out crowd at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium—the 2025 edition promises even more high-intensity clashes and passionate national pride.
Samoa will return to the men’s Pacific Cup after touring the UK in 2024, and will headline a blockbuster opening double-header on Sunday, 26 October at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. They will face off against Tonga, runners-up in last year’s tournament, while the Jillaroos begin their title defence against Samoa on the same day.
The men’s Pacific Cup will also feature New Zealand, who will host Samoa at Go Media Stadium on 19 October and take on Tonga at Auckland’s Eden Park on 1 November. That match day will also see the Jillaroos face off against the Kiwi Ferns in a key women’s clash.
The tournament will culminate with the men’s and women’s Pacific Cup finals at CommBank Stadium in western Sydney on Sunday, 9 November. The region—home to Australia’s largest Pasifika community—is expected to deliver a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere for the deciders.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo praised the continued growth and emotional impact of the Championships across the Pacific.
“The images of a sea of red jerseys and Tongan flags at last year’s Final in Sydney, the big crowds in New Zealand and the hero’s reception for the teams playing in Fiji and PNG were massive moments for rugby league last year,” Abdo said.
“Nothing stirs the emotions and inspires players or fans quite like the pride for their nation and there is no greater example of the unique passion and energy that international rugby league brings than what we witness during the Pacific Championships.”
In addition to the Pacific Cup, the men’s and women’s Pacific Bowl competitions will be staged over three weekends at Santos Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The men’s Bowl will feature Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, while the women’s Bowl includes Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, and Tonga.
The 2025 Pacific Championships Final is proudly supported by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
NSW Minister for Sport, Jobs and Tourism, and Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, expressed his excitement about Sydney hosting the tournament’s climax:
“I’m thrilled Sydney will host the Final of the Pacific Championships. Western Sydney has the nation’s largest Pasifika community, whose passion and enthusiasm will create a unique and incredible atmosphere that’s not to be missed.
“We look forward to welcoming rugby league fans from around the nation and across the ditch for an unforgettable sporting experience in the rugby league capital of the world.”
The Pacific Bowl is supported by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports, an initiative that fosters development and collaboration between Australian and Pacific athletes through shared opportunities to train, play, and grow.
MATCHES
Round 1-Pacific Bowl
· Fiji Bati V Cook Islands Aitu, Saturday 18th October, 3:00pm at Santos National Football Stadium, PNG
Round 1- Pacific Cup
· Kiwis V Toa Samoa, Sunday 19th October, 3:00pm at Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Round 2-Pacific Bowl
· PNG Kumuls V Cook Islands Aitu, Saturday 25th October,3:00pm at Santos National Football Stadium, PNG
Round 2-Pacific Cup
· Toa Samoa V Tonga XIII, Sunday 26th October,3:00pm at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Round 3- Pacific Bowl
· PNG Kumuls V Fiji Bati, Saturday 1st November, 3:00pm at Santos National Football Stadium, PNG
Round 3- Pacific Cup
Kiwis V Tonga XIII, Sunday 2nd November, 3:00pm at Eden Park, Auckland
FINAL
TBC V TBC, Sunday 9th November, 3: 05pm at CommBank Stadium