LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The inaugural Pacific Championships in 2023 will be a thrilling conclusion to the rugby league season, taking place over four weeks in three different countries.
The tournament will showcase the best teams from Australia, New Zealand, Toa Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea in the men's competition.
The women's tournament will feature Australia, the Kiwi Ferns, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and Cook Islands.
This event is part of a long-term strategy by the ARLC to promote the international elite game.
It aims to create a dedicated window for international rugby league, increase equity in the post-Grand Final period, and enhance cultural competency within the sport.
The Pacific Championships also encourage players to represent their respective nations.
In 2023, the tournament will introduce a new format with seven competing nations divided into two pools for both men's and women's matches.
The men's competition will consist of the Pacific Cup, where the top three ranked nations will compete against each other, and the Pacific Bowl, featuring the three lower-ranked nations.
Each team will play each other once in the Cup and Bowl competitions, with the top two ranked teams advancing to the respective Finals.
Fans can expect an exciting display of skill, passion, and intense competition as the Pacific Championships bring together the best rugby league teams from across the Pacific region.
Townsville will host the opening match, setting the stage for a thrilling month of rugby league action.