Epson has renewed its title sponsorship of the Pacific Rim tournament, and now it’s up to Japan to defend its 1999 crown.

The second running of the IRB-supported Epson Cup is set to begin its 9 week, 15-match program May 20. As expected, the Japanese Electronics Corporation is again backing the six-nation tournament, the Pacific Rim Championship’s Board of Directors confirmed today.

Though younger than the Europe’s Six Nations Championship and less prominent than SANZAR’s Tri-Series, the Pacific Rim aims to establish itself as a proving ground for up-and-coming rugby nations. The competition includes Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and the United Sates, all 1999 Rugby World Cup finalists.

Interestingly, four will have new head coaches this season -and three are from Australia. David Clark is the new headman for Canada, Greg Smith guides Fiji, and Duncan Hall leads the United States. Meanwhile, Samoa will make use John Boe, New Zealand’s Under 19 coach, who is on loan for the 2000 season.

‘We’re very pleased that Epson has elected to renew its association with the Pacific Rim tournament. Along with the continued help of the International Rugby Board, the Epson Cup is fast becoming one of the most exciting events in international rugby,’ said Chairman Terry Fleener, of the United States.

In other news from the recently concluded meeting of the Board of Directors, the 2000 tournament will adopt the experimental law variations approved by the IRB. Now in its second year, a three-year grant of STGú400,000 per annum from the IRB is also crucial to the tournament’s continuing success.

For more information please contact the IRB
Tel: +353 1 662 5444
Fax: +353 1 676 9334
Website: www.irfb.com