The International Rugby Board has confirmed that Fiji will host the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup competition for this year and this represents a further boost to the continued development of Rugby in the region.

National teams from Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Tonga will be joined by 2006 and 2007 champions the Junior All Blacks when the tournament kicks off on June 12.

Fiji Rugby Union Acting CEO Keni Dakuidreketi said the FRU is delighted to host a big international tournament as the PNC and it only reflects the hard work the Union has achieved in conjunction with the IRB in developing the infrastructure.

The Fijians meet the Junior All Blacks on June 18 and Samoa on June 27 and their last game of the competition is against Japan on 3 July.

Other games to be played in Fiji include the Japan vs Samoa on June 18, Samoa vs Tonga on June 23, Tonga vs Japan on June 27 and Tonga vs Junior All Blacks on July 2.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said the Fijian economy will also directly benefit around US$1 million in direct IRB funding for the tournament.

The Pacific Nations Cup kicks off on June 12 and ends on July 3.