Rugby Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones joined Jason Pine live in the studio for a chat, discussing the upcoming Pacific Championship, the Warriors’ performance in 2024 and answering listener questions. 

The Pacific Championship is set to kickoff late next month. The competition is two-tiered, with men’s and women’s teams from across the region competing for the Pacific Cup and the Pacific Bowl.   

There will also be two match days in New Zealand with the grand finals to be played in Sydney on November 10.   

The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns will face off against the Kangaroos and Jillaroos in a double-header at Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium on October 27, marking the Kiwis’ return to the city after five years and the Kiwi Ferns’ first South Island Test since 1998. The Kiwis will then take on Tonga at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium on November 2.   

Meanwhile, Jones finalised his coaching staff for the Championship in July and it features six former Kiwis. Steve Price, Nathan Cayless and Adam Blair are assistant coaches. Stephen Kearney, the 2008 World Cup-winning Kiwis head coach, works in a culture and leadership adviser role while Daryl Halligan and David Solomona round out the team as kicking coach and wellbeing manager, respectively. 

He told Piney that he’s excited to get into camp. 

“I'm looking forward to the final series and players getting through unscathed.” 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Pacific Championship schedule 

Sunday, October 27: Pacific Cup – New Zealand v Australia (men and women) at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch 

Saturday, November 2: Pacific Cup – New Zealand v Tonga (men) at Go Media Stadium, Auckland 

Sunday, November 3: Pacific Cup – New Zealand v Papua New Guinea (women) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby 

Sunday, November 10: Pacific Cup men’s and women’s Grand Final in Sydney, Australia